Why was the Fourth of July of 1863 the most joyous independence day since the first one 87 years earlier?

The Fourth of July of 1863 was particularly joyous because it marked a significant turning point in the American Civil War, with Union victories at both the Battle of Gettysburg and the surrender of Vicksburg. These victories not only bolstered Northern morale but also signaled the potential for preserving the Union and ending slavery. The confluence of these events symbolized hope and progress for the nation, making it a moment of celebration reminiscent of the original Declaration of Independence.