*Foot Notes

Why July 4?

On June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia delegated a committee--Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston--to draft a document that would sever the colonies’ ties to Great Britain. Jefferson wrote the first draft, and after 86 changes, the final version of the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776.

Philadelphians marked the first anniversary of the event, July 4, 1777, with a spontaneous celebration that included bonfires, bells and fireworks. Interest in Independence Day grew considerably and consistently after the War of 1812. Customs that evolved over the years included parades, games, Sousa marches, military displays and picnics. But it was not until 1941 that Congress declared the date a legal holiday.

Most of the American flags you will see Sunday are made in Taiwan and China. An American fabrics industry association, however, is pressing Congress to make it illegal for American flags to be made anywhere but in the United States.

KCET-TV will air the PBS holiday concert “A Capitol Fourth 1999,” hosted by Barry Bostwick and starring Kenny G, Nell Carter, Jo Dee Messina, Maureen McGovern and the Temptations, Sunday at 8 p.m.

July Fourth can be a dangerous holiday. Nearly 13,000 fireworks accident victims are hospitalized each year nationwide. More than half are children, and nearly half are bystanders--not the ones lighting the fuses. The L.A. Fire Department says it’s best to leave fireworks to the professionals. Phone lines have been set up so residents can learn where and when professional fireworks shows will be in their area: (818) 786-5170 or (213) 626-2871.

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The Fourth of July is the quintessential American holiday, with hot dogs and picnics and patriotic speeches. It’s barbecues and music and the red, white and blue. It’s bombs bursting in air and the rocket’s red glare. It’s the national birthday party. *