A revised reprise from 2006
This is for Mark Carbanaro, who thinks that calling this holiday "The Fourth of July" means a lack of patriotism. He said in an article published July 4, 2006 San Jose Mercury News (no longer available online)
"We lose a certain acknowlegement as to what the meaning of the Declaration of Independence is and why our nation was founded when we just say "Happy Fourth of July."
Carbonaro speculates that the growing use of ``Fourth of July'' is the result of a language prone to shy away from multisyllabic words and an increasingly commercial culture.
Geoff Nunburg (who was quoted in the Merc article) at Language Log says much ado about nothing.
Referring to "the Fourth" instead of "Independence Day" has a long history. James R. Heintze of American University. Washington, D.C. of has a whole page of late nineteenth and early twentieth century postcards --Fourth of July greetings. Heintze maintains a database of Fourth of July celebrations.
In 2007, Heintze published The Encyclopedia of Fourth of July Celebrations:
This is the first comprehensive reference work on America’s Independence Day. Bringing attention to persons, places, and events of historical significance, the book focuses on the Fourth of July as it has been commemorated over the span of more than two centuries, starting with the first celebrations: public readings of the Declaration of Independence that occurred within days of its signing.
At any rate, Independence Day or the Glorious Fourth, wishing you and yours a day of joy and freedom.
I particularly salute the men and women of the military and their families. I honor their service and their sacrifices.
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