America's First Independence Day Celebration Happened Before the War Was Won

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In July 1777, Philadelphia threw a massive party for the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The city erupted with bonfires, fireworks, and a formal dinner for the Continental Congress, even though British ships still threatened the coast.

The Continental Army had just suffered brutal defeats, and final victory was years away. The celebration was a gritty act of defiance, not a victory lap.

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