Patriot Games An Independence Study Reveals Ignorance Of Holiday’s Origins

They knew where to go to see fireworks, listen to loud music, get their faces painted and chow down on bratwurst.

But many of the Spokane Neighbor Day participants were unsure why Americans celebrate the Fourth of July or what document is most associated with the day.

“You mean, like, a legislative document?” asked Mike King, 20. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

In a random and unscientific survey of 15 people at Riverfront Park, fewer than half tied Tuesday’s holiday to the Declaration of Independence.

The document, which was adopted on July 4, 1776, proclaimed the 13 American colonies free from British rule and affirmed the principle that “all men are created equal.”

At the park, the holiday meant life, liberty and the pursuit of a great spot to watch the fireworks.

By Tuesday afternoon, thousands spread blankets on the grass and listened to local bands as they waited for the show to begin at 10:20 p.m.

High school boys killed time tossing footballs and eyeing high school girls, who pretended not to notice.

Adults stood in long lines for egg rolls or gyros at the ethnic food fair, or to get their palms read by Madame Rose.

Kids tossed pop-its, wads of paper and gunpowder that explode with a wimpy “pop.” They are the closest thing to firecrackers that could be purchased under the city’s fireworks ban.

Young and old, they obviously were not boning up on history while they waited for the big fireworks show.

“Oh, I did a report on this,” said Brad Legg, 11, when asked which city hosted the Continental Convention. “I know it was one of the 13 colonies.”

“Missouri?” guessed his helpful sister, Angela, 14.

Vance Smith, a 45-year-old Lilac Festival director, leaned against a maple tree, straining his memory before correctly guessing the city, the document’s author and the date it was adopted. It’s been 30 years since he’s had a history class, said Smith, and he’s a little rusty.

Brett Jordan, 16, fared best among teens. Still, he answered each question with a question, uncertain he was correct.

“Declaration of Independence?… Philadelphia?… Thomas Jefferson?”

Betty Draper, 74, was more confident. The retired elementary school teacher, who wore a red, white and blue T-shirt, spit out correct responses like a quiz show contestant.

Even Draper stumbled when asked to recite the opening lines of the document.

“When in the course of human events …” were words none of the 15 could remember. Most started reciting the Constitution instead.

“‘We the people of the United States, hereby declare our independence.’ Something like that,” said Rich Kamstra, 36, who answered every other question correctly.

“I’ve got three ancestors who signed (the declaration). I can name two of them.”

Danielle Conley, 15, was more concerned that home fireworks displays are illegal in Spokane than she was about the origins of the holiday.

The Founding Fathers never would have picked this town for their Continental Convention, she said.

And just when was the convention?

“Before I was born,” she said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo