Thursday, March 18, 2010

Alphabee Thursday

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.

Jenny Matlock

18 comments:

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

There is nothing at all like a small town parade! Doesn't matter the town or the occasion; they're all fun!

Our small town does a huge Halloween parade.

Viki said...

Very cool post. Its so neat that your in laws live right on the parade route. Sounds like a good time. Thanks for the little history lesson too.

Betty said...

That sounds like a good old fashion Independence Day celebration!

Unknown said...

I remember celebrating Independent Day , my first in USA in 1984 was AWESOME!
I love the fire works, the pot luck, the carnival.

Happy Thursday!

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Deborah Ann said...

July 4th is one of my favorite holidays. I always tear up at the parade, watching our retired soldiers walk by, carrying the flag. May we continue to live in the freedom God has given us!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Very cool post! I love the Fourth of July!!!! Parades, watermelon, fun, fireworks!

laterg8r said...

that bunny is HUGE - great post :D

MrsJenB said...

It's funny, I didn't know any of this until I watched and then read "John Adams", and I was kinda let down over the whole thing. It's so against everything I was taught in school! Either way, it happened and that's a good thing! :-)

Jenny said...

I love a small town parade!

It is like a Normal Rockwell painting!

Great imaginative use of the letter "I"!

A+

Jo said...

I love a small town parade & festival ... it's always so much fun!

Kat said...

There is nothing quite like a small town 4th of July Celebration. We have one in our town park that goes on all day and ends with fireworks in the evening. There are families that camp out the night before to get prime spots and start the smokers going for BBQ. Loved your photos, and that is the biggest rabbit I have EVER seen! Kathy

mrs. c said...

Not only did I get an amazing history lesson, I also learned more about your family traditions! What a wonderful 4th you have!I think you are making memories with your grandkids and they are so lucky to have such a wonderful family! You are indeed blessed! Be safe on your trip, I am going away for the Friday night, as well.

jeff campbell said...

Brenda...Great choice for "I"...and those pictures are very, very nice. Thanks for your visit to my Insect blog...I think when you show insects in a "different light" it can make them more interesting and less 'icky'...Peace

Rose said...

That small town parade sounds like great fun.

Steph said...

Great word and information I never knew about my own country's history. It's so fun to be in a small town on the fourth.

Steph said...

I had a mess up when I was posting; so I hope this is not a duplicate. I just wanted to say what a great word and thank you for teaching me things I didn't know about my own country's history. Also the 4th in a small town is so fun.

Unknown said...

the fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays...My family does the whole parade, picnic fireworks thing too....So much fun in one day!

Amanda Lee said...

Oh, I think this is what I will miss the most about moving from a small town. We had the best town celebration, with the orchestra playing a free concert in the park, and everyone bring picnics, and having contests!