Photos by John Pagliuca

Let freedom ring, boom and sparkle!  This year's 4th of July celebration was nothing less than spectacular as the Topsail area celebrated the independence of our nation.  The festivities began on July 3rd at 6 PM at Soundside Park with a speech by Surf City Mayor Zander Guy and then followed with a concert performed by The Breeze Band.

 

At 9:10 PM the traditional fireworks show began and lasted until 9:45 PM.  Nothing less than spectacular.  The young and the young at heart enjoyed the brilliant display symbolizing our independence and freedom won so many years ago.  This tradition has continued for over 100 years and continues today as our men and women in the armed forces fight for our "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

The Town of Holly Ridge celebrated our independence on July 4th at the Municipal Park.  This celebration is traditionally known as the 4 town celebration for Holly Ridge, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach.  Once again another spectacular display of our commitment to "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…" as written by Thomas Jefferson.

 

 

 

Why was the Declaration of Independence written?   In Jefferson's words, the Declaration was written, "In order to place before mankind the common sense of the matter in terms so plain and simple as to command their assent."

 

 

 

 

Of the 13 colonies that comprised the Continental Congress in 1776, North Carolina was represented by William Hooper who resided in Wilmington, NC and began representation of Wilmington in the North Carolina General Assembly in 1773, Joseph Hewes of Wilmington who was elected to the Committee of Correspondence and the Continental Congress in 1775, and John Penn of Granville County, North Carolina was elected to the Continental Congress in 1775.  All of these men died before the age of 50 and for the better part of their lives, gave service to our country… these United States of America.

 

 

 

 

 

A special "Thank You" to our men and women wherever you may be serving.

 

 

 

John Pagliuca has been a commercial photographer and filmmaker for over 30 years.  John is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and a General Member of the American Society of Media Photographers.  He currently serves on the Board of the North Carolina Chapter of ASMP.  John is also a founding member and instructor for Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.