I is for Independence Day
Forth of July
Some historic information from Wikipedia:
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 Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier,
John Adams had written to his wife
Abigail:
| “ | 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.[6] | ” |
Adams' prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized
Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.
[7]
One of the most enduring myths about Independence Day is that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
[8][9] The myth had become so firmly established that, decades after the event and nearing the end of their lives, even the elderly Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had come to believe that they and the other delegates had signed the Declaration on the fourth.
[10] Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776.
[11] In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two
founding fathers of the United States and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence to become
president, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the United States' 50th anniversary.
Our family celebrates Independence day each year in a big way. My Hubs parents live in a small town right on the main street across from the town park. This town has a week long celebration that includes tractor pulls, ball games, a kids day with kids parade and a petting zoo.
There is a carnival set up in the park, hubs and I usually go on the Ferris wheel so he can point out all the places he hung out at as a child and teenager. There is a big parade that goes right past Mom and Dads house on the Forth where we all sit, along with many friends and neighbors, on the lawn and porch to watch, clap and stand for the flag when it passes.
Hubs parents always have a pot luck and everyone brings a dish to share and come and go all day. There is usually a walk to the ice cream shop and hubs has to go get an Italian Sausage at one of the vendors that is always there. A great celebration for our country's freedom. Of course there are fireworks at the end of the day but we are home and chilling out from our long day by then.
Thanks for coming by and I hope you go check out the rest of the party participants over at Jenny Matlocks.
I will be away for a couple of days so I will have to visit everyone when I get back.
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