#ThrowbackThursday – 4 July

It’s 4 July, and that means it’s time for another edition of Throwback Thursday! Today, we’re taking a look back at three prominent events that went down on this day in history:

1776 – This is Our Independence Day

Across the pond, the United States of America are partying it up with barbecues and fireworks galore as they celebrate 248 years of independence from Great Britain.

On 4 July 1776, 13 American colonies caused fireworks of their own when they officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. This historic document, drafted primarily by politician Thomas Jefferson, asserted the colonies’ right to self-governance and freedom from the tyranny of the British crown.

Consisting of over 1 000 words, the most famous statement from the Declaration has got to be this:

“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.”

These words – and indeed, the entire Declaration – laid the groundwork for the American ideals of democracy and equality.

Today, Independence Day is celebrated annually on 4 July by Americans in millions of their patriotic numbers. At the heart of it, though, the day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers, as well as those who fought for freedom and independence.

1826 – Same-Day Deaths

Coincidentally, Thomas Jefferson and his fellow statesman, John Adams, passed away on 4 July 1826 – exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Considered two of the Founding Fathers of the USA, Jefferson and Adams played crucial roles in the creation of the nation and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence: Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration, while Adams advocated for independence and diplomacy, ideals which the Declaration encouraged.

Both men also served as presidents of the United States, with Adams serving from 1797 to 1801, and Jefferson serving from 1801 to 1809. They were also good friends, although their relationship had its ups and downs due to their political differences.

So, it was somewhat eerie when they passed away on the same date: Jefferson, aged 83, died at his home that afternoon in Monticello, Virginia, as a result of deteriorating health. Several hours later, some hundreds of miles away at his home in Quincy, Massachusetts, Adams died of a heart attack at the age of 90.

Their deaths on 4 July, exactly 50 years after the momentous signing of the Declaration of Independence, was regarded by all as a fitting, symbolic end to their remarkable lives.

1910 – Happy Birthday, Gloria Stuart!

If you’ve ever watched James Cameron’s 1997 classic, “Titanic”, you’ll remember that Rose lived to be 100-years-old. This fact also applies to actress Gloria Stuart, who played the elderly version of Rose in the movie, as she passed away at the age of 100 in 2010.

Born on 4 July 1910 in Santa Monica, California, Stuart’s Hollywood career began after casting directors discovered her in a local theatre production of Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” in 1932. After signing a seven-year contract with Universal Pictures, Stuart made her film debut in “The Old Dark House”, which was released later that year.

Known for her beauty and glamorous style, Stuart went on to star in a number of films throughout the 1930s and 1940s: “The Invisible Man”, “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” and “Here Comes Elmer” are among the many movies she appeared in during this time.

However, after growing tired of being typecast, Stuart took a step back from Hollywood to focus on other pursuits. Apart from a few acting jobs in the ‘70s, she concentrated on painting and fine printing, as well as on motherhood. Stuart was also a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild and the Hollywood Anti-Nazi League.

It wasn’t until she starred in “Titanic” that Stuart was rediscovered by a new generation of film fans – her portrayal of the elderly Rose earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Stuart also rediscovered her love for acting, appearing in “The Million Dollar Hotel”, “General Hospital” and “Touched by an Angel”, among other flicks and TV shows until her death in 2010.