Tomorrow is the July Fourth, also known as Independence day. Most of us think of it as a day for parades, barbecues, fireworks, picnics, baseball games and family reunions.
Wait! Pardon me for a moment as I give just a teensy history lesson here. Can't help myself!
Independence Day also referred to as the Fourth of July or July Fourth, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and were no longer part of the British Empire.
During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain in 1776 actually occurred on July 2, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain rule. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author.
Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it two days later on July 4.
And now you know. I'll step off my soap box now.
Enjoy your fourth of July!
Enjoy your fourth of July!
About the author: Michelle Davenport is the author of “Second Chances at East Beach” in By the Bay: East Beach Stories. Her story “Tag! You’re Dead” is in By The Bay 2: More East Beach Stories. For more information on Michelle, please visit her website.
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