Happy July 4 Independence Day, It's America's 248th Birthday - A Peaceful And Calm Day, No East River Fireworks Viewing From Roosevelt Island This Year

Happy 248th Birthday to the United States Of America.

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.

Image Of John Trumball's Declaration Of Independence Painting From US History

Thomas Jefferson's handwritten draft of our Declaration of Independence (with revisions by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin), 1776: pic.twitter.com/1VaUmeNgI6

— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) July 4, 2024

Roosevelt Island was quiet and peaceful today. For the last 10 years, large crowds would come to Roosevelt Island to view the Macy's July 4 East River Fireworks celebration. This year the Fireworks moved to the Hudson River reducing greatly the number of Roosevelt Island visitors today.

Here's what the Macy's July 4 East River Fireworks looked like from Roosevelt Island FDR 4 Freedoms Park in 2022.

Happy Birthday America.

Happy July 4 Independence Day, It's America's 247th Birthday - July 4 Is 16th Birthday Of Roosevelt Islander Too

Happy 247th Birthday to the United States Of America.

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. 

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

Here is Thomas Jefferson's “Original Rough Draught" of our Declaration of Independence (with revisions added by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin), 1776: pic.twitter.com/KjHscLMbBD

— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) July 4, 2023

July 4 is also the 16th birthday of Roosevelt Islander Online. Here's the first post from 2007 and it's about getting Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park July 4 Fireworks Celebration tickets. 

16 years later and Roosevelt Island July 4 fireworks ticket issue is still an issue but at least there is no charge for viewing any more.

Happy Birthday America!!!

UPDATE 8:55 PM - A Tipster sends an email earlier this week reporting;

If anyone was looking for proof that RIOC keeps tickets for themselves, there was a special code for RIOC and one for residents: 

 I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes:

Was there a Roosevelt Island July 4 Fireworks lottery access code for residents and another, separate, access code that Rioc gave to others? Please see attached. What is the July 4 registration category which says Rioc that the Green Arrow is pointing at?

This evening, RIOC VP Of Communications Akeem Jamal replied:

There were two access codes one for the general public and another, “RIOC” for the Island community based organizations including 100 tickets for Four Freedoms Park, 50 tickets for Roosevelt Island Senior Association, 100 tickets for Roosevelt Island Disable Association, and 50 tickets for Carter Burden.

Happy July 4 Independence Day 245th Birthday America From Roosevelt Island - July 4 Is 14th Birthday Of Roosevelt Islander Too

Happy 245th Birthday America.

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

This has been called first time Declaration of Independence was published in a newspaper—Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 6, 1776: pic.twitter.com/K0sNcytHVy

— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) July 4, 2021

Roosevelt Island is waiting for the start of the Macy's July 4 Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on the East River.

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A post shared by @rooseveltislander

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A post shared by FDR Four Freedoms State Park (@4freedomspark)

July 4 is also the 14th birthday of Roosevelt Islander Online. Here's the first post from 2007 and it's about the Southpoint Park July 4 Fireworks Celebration tickets.

14 years later, it's still an issue.

Happy Birthday America!!!
UPDATE 10:30 PM;

Waiting for the Macy’s July 4 Fireworks celebration to start on East River at Roosevelt Islsnd FDR @4FreedomsPark pic.twitter.com/h0BZPgy3hf

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 5, 2021

Happy 4th! @cornell_tech @Rooseveltisland pic.twitter.com/LAOopSMF7e

— FernandoGomezBaquero (@FerGomezBaquero) July 5, 2021

@Rooseveltisland real Islanders know the bridge is the best place to see the fireworks pic.twitter.com/dt3ARamrpa

— LJ Rader (@LJ_Rader) July 5, 2021

July 4 Independence Day Celebration Macy’s Fireworks seen from Roosevelt Island FDR ⁦⁦@4FreedomsPark⁩ - WOW pic.twitter.com/Q8dVp3BWZt

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 5, 2021

Happy July 4 Independence Day America From Roosevelt Island - Despite Coronavirus Pandemic, America Celebrates Ideals Of The Declaration Of Independence

This year's July 4 Independence Day celebration is more subdued due to the Coronavirus Pandemic but we can still wish Happy Birthday America and celebrate the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

This holiday weekend, let’s be safe and smart. It’s going to take all of us to beat this virus. So wear a mask. Wash your hands. And listen to the experts, not the folks trying to divide us. That's the only way we’ll do this—together.https://t.co/UwNKAzL8JU

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 3, 2020

Our nation was founded on a simple idea: We're all created equal. We've never lived up to it — but we've never stopped trying. This Independence Day, let's not just celebrate those words, let's commit to finally fulfill them. Happy #FourthOfJuly! pic.twitter.com/1WrATlx8Xl

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 4, 2020

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

Here is Thomas Jefferson's “Original Rough Draught" of Declaration of Independence (with revisions by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin): pic.twitter.com/JN9DMHlpOn

— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) July 2, 2019

Read more »

HAPPY JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA FROM ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

Here is Thomas Jefferson's “Original Rough Draught" of Declaration of Independence (with revisions by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin): pic.twitter.com/JN9DMHlpOn

— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) July 2, 2019

Hear familiar NPR voices read the Declaration of Independence. Read along here. https://t.co/FzInHsmvmE

— NPR (@NPR) July 4, 2018

Without the Macy's Fireworks viewing this July 4, Roosevelt Island has had a low-key day

The island seems much more peaceful this #July4th and I’m not mad at that.

— NamelyNorm (@NamelyNorm) July 4, 2019

although there was still plenty of BBQ'ing with friends at Octagon Park

and Lighthouse Park.

July 4 is also the 12th anniversary of Roosevelt Islander Online. Here's the first post from 2007 and it's about the Southpoint Park July 4 Fireworks Celebration.

Happy Birthday America!!!

HAPPY JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA FROM ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

Hear familiar NPR voices read the Declaration of Independence. Read along here. https://t.co/FzInHsmvmE

— NPR (@NPR) July 4, 2018

It's also the 11th anniversary of Roosevelt Islander Online. Here's the first post from 2007 and it's about the Southpoint Park Fireworks Celebration.

HAPPY JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA FROM ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

As we celebrate our nation's freedom, we honor the courageous men & women dedicated to preserving it. Happy #FourthOfJuly from the #NYPD pic.twitter.com/iA08rQgY7E

— NYPD 114th Precinct (@NYPD114Pct) July 4, 2017

Today is also the 10th anniversary of Roosevelt Islander Online.

Here's the first post from July 4, 2007 about July 4 Fireworks Celebration at Southpoint Park.

UPDATE 11 PM - A little bit from tonight's Roosevelt Island July 4 Fireworks celebration at FDR 4 Freedoms Park.

A glimpse of the #july4 #MacysFireworks celebration at Roosevelt Island @4FreedomsPark pic.twitter.com/8Nh7YKieZ9

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) July 5, 2017

HAPPY JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA FROM ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

Happy Birthday America, July 4 Is Independence Day - Today Is Also 6th Anniversary Of Roosevelt Islander Online Blog

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA - JULY 4 IS INDEPENDENCE DAY.

As we all know, there's more to the Fourth of July holiday than fireworks, bbq, burgers, beer and flag waving. Not that there is anything wrong with that but...

What the Fourth of July is really about is the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Here's how the signing of the Declaration of Independence was depicted in one of my favorite movies, 1776.



This previous post shows the text of the Declaration of Independence, a reading of it from then Senator John F. Kennedy and on a slightly less serious note, South Park's version of the decision by American colonists to declare independence and go to war against England.

Take a look at what the Macy's July 4 Fireworks on the East River looked like from Southpoint Park in 2008 (the last time they were held on the East River before being moved to the Hudson River)



and a report on the Good, Bad and Ugly of that night including video from Roosevelt Island 360 on the crowds trying to leave Roosevelt Island that night.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Today is also the 6th Anniversary of the Roosevelt Islander Online Blog. 

Independence Day and the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration viewing at Southpoint Park on Roosevelt Island has a special place in the life of the Roosevelt Islander Blog because it was the subject of the first post and the reason for the blog coming into being way back on July 4 2007. The subject -  my objection, some might call it a rant, (all in CAPS because I didn't know any better) to RIOC charging $18 to gain entry to Southpoint park to view the fireworks when other NYC public venues did not charge a dime.

Blogger's Dilemma Cartoon From Cox & Forkum

Since July 4 2007, there have been 1,073,895 visitors to and 1,564,744 page loads of Roosevelt Islander Online (Readership statistics here). Thank you to all the Roosevelt Islander readers, contributors, those who comment and lend their expertise on particular subjects as well as those who send in their tips, suggestions and messages. Please continue to do so.

Happy Independence Day Roosevelt Islanders.

Happy Birthday America, July 4 Is Independence Day - Today Is Also 5th Anniversary Of Roosevelt Islander Online Blog

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from US History

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA - JULY 4 IS INDEPENDENCE DAY.

As we all know, there's more to the Fourth of July holiday than fireworks, bbq, burgers, beer and flag waving. Not that there is anything wrong with that but...

What the Fourth of July is really about is the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.This previous post shows the text of the Declaration of Independence, a reading of it from then Senator John F. Kennedy and on a slightly less serious note, South Park's version of the decision by American colonists to declare independence and go to war against England.

I'm a Little Bit Country
Get More: SOUTH
PARKmore...

Today is also the 5th Birthday of the Roosevelt Islander Online Blog. Independence Day and the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration viewing previously held at Southpoint Park on Roosevelt Island has a special place in the life of the Roosevelt Islander Blog because it was the subject of the first post and the reason for the blog coming into being way back on July 4 2007. The subject -  my objection, some might call it a rant, (all in CAPS because I didn't know any better) to RIOC charging $18 to gain entry to Southpoint park to view the fireworks when other NYC public venues did not charge a dime.

Here's some of what the Macy's July 4 Fireworks on the East River looked like from Southpoint Park in 2008 (the last time they were held on the East River before being moved to the Hudson River) and a report on the Good, Bad and Ugly of that night.



Happy Birthday America!!!!

The Fourth Of July Is About The Declaration Of Independence - A Reading By JFK & South Park's Cartman Visits The Founders

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from ushistory.org

A repost from last year.

There's more to the Fourth of July holiday than fireworks, bbq, burgers, beer and flag waving. What the Fourth of July is really about is the Declaration of Independence:

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident:

That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

The rest of the Declaration and historical background can be found at US History.org. Also, here is a You Tube video of a 1957 reading by then Senator John F. Kennedy of the Declaration of Independence.



On a slightly less serious note here's South Park's version of the decision by American colonists to declare independence and go to war against England.






And lessons learned from the Founding Fathers for present day America.



Here's a link to the full episode of I'm A Little Bit Country from southpark studios

Have a Happy Independence Day!

The Fourth of July Is About the Declaration of Independence - A Reading By JFK & Southpark's Cartman Visits The Founders

Image of John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence from ushistory.org

There's more to the Fourth of July holiday than fireworks, bbq, burgers, beer and flag waving. What the Fourth of July is really about is the Declaration of Independence:

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident:

That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

The rest of the Declaration and historical background can be found at US History.org. Also, here is a You Tube video of a 1957 reading by then Senator John F. Kennedy of the Declaration of Independence.



On a slightly less serious note here's South Park's version of the decision by American colonists to declare independence and go to war against England.






And lessons learned from the Founding Fathers for present day America.



Here's a link to the full episode of I'm A Little Bit Country from southpark studios

Have a Happy Independence Day!