To many people, Independence Day is all about fireworks, barbecues and parades. But to others, the true meaning of the holiday goes much deeper.

Assistant History Professor Jennifer Green said her work gives her a broader understanding of the holiday.

“The holiday celebrates the Declaration of Independence,” she said. “America was established in the 1760s because people in the British colonies felt they couldn’t work with people in England so they had to form their own country. Not a monarchy but a republic, and that’s what the holiday celebrates.”

Green said the Fourth of July represents the best of America, as it was built on political change.

“We’ve improved and increased the declaration for the better,” she said. “Part of American history means changing what it means to be American and possibly changing the constitution. Jefferson was a slave holder and now we have an African American presidential candidate.”

The fundamental concept of the Declaration of Independence is that those who are governed have the right to choose and know who is governing them.

This was a very radical statement for the time and Frank Boles, the director of Clarke Historical Library said he is amazed by it.

“It is an incredible document. You can’t help but marvel at what those people did,” he said. “Philosophers have talked about the concept of independence, but the people who signed the declaration were for real. They believed we really and truly had the right to choose; it was a huge change in how people think about government.”

Boles said he believes declaring independence was a brave and noble experiment.

“I’m amazed that they did it and also amazed that they got away with it,” he said. “The colonies knew they had to stick together and fight Britain, but they had no plan after that. To find another example of something like this, you’d have to go back to ancient Greece.”

To DeWitt junior Rob Hayes, the Fourth of July is about relaxing with friends and family.

“I’m going to Lansing with my family for swimming and a barbecue,” Hayes said. “I’m looking forward to seeing my nephew, and we’re going to watch the fireworks at the Grand River in Lansing.”

According to Green, Hayes isn’t the only one who would enjoy barbecues and fireworks.

“I think Thomas Jefferson would enjoy how we celebrate the Fourth of July,” she said. “He would have appreciated fireworks because he was interested in science and he would have liked the barbecue because it’s similar to a big southern celebration.”

Boles said he believes founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin would recognize our government today.

“They didn’t want the president to be too powerful and have the power to pass just any law,” he said. “They didn’t want Congress to act too quickly; the system was designed to be slow and thoughtful. If they saw America today, they’d have some problems, but in general, they’d approve.”

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