Independence Day

It's just a few days before the 4th of July, so I thought a little history review might be in order .... It's fun for me to remember what it's all about too!

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."
When John Adams (the 1st Vice President and 2nd President of the United States) made the above statement, he was actually off by two days. Yes, the vote on July 2nd was the decisive act, but July 4th was/is the date of the Declaration itself.

The Declaration of Independence is the document in which American colonists proclaimed their freedom from British rule. The Second Continental Congress, with representatives of the 13 British colonies in America, adopted the declaration on July 4, 1776. The document included an expression of the colonists’ grievances and their reasons for declaring freedom from Britain. The Declaration of Independence’s eloquent rhetoric and political significance rank it as one of the great historical documents.


The first celebration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, four days after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. On that day the declaration was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played. Within a few years the Fourth of July was observed throughout most of the new nation.
Today, many Americans observe the Independence Day holiday by having parades, picnics, barbecues, or other outings with friends and family. Community fireworks displays take place in the evening. The Fourth of July fireworks displays in many large cities are broadcast on television.




Learn more about this holiday:
http://www.sunniebunniezz.com/holiday/4ofjuly.htm

Read the Declaration of Independence text: http://www.imustread.com/html/declaration.html