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The First Americans to Observe the 4th Were Moravian Pacifists

First in Peace

Moravian settlers in NC were the first Americans to officially celebrate the 4th of July. But they weren’t partying in honor of military victory. They were thanking God for peace.

articles/2014/07/04/the-first-americans-to-observe-the-4th-were-moravian-pacifists/140703-brinson-1st-fourth-tease_mgpydu
Corbis

At the nation’s first official Independence Day celebration, there were no fireworks, no sparklers, and no rowdy parties. The parade was solemn, with reverent music and the call-and-response singing of two choirs.

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