July 4th at Statue of Liberty
Independence Day celebrates the birthday of the United States of America. The day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. This year we’re celebrating America’s 233rd birthday. She’s getting older, but she’s still as beautiful as she’s ever been.The Fourth of July is a time for red white and blue. It’s a time for what I like to call The Four P’s: patriotism, picnics, parades, and potato salad! It’s also time for barbecue’sand hot dogs, but those don’t start with “P.” Throw in an evening fireworks display and it’s a day that memories are made of. But before we cut in to mom’s apple pie we’ve got some history to reflect upon.
Who’s got two thumbs and loves taxes? Um, no one that has to pay ‘em, that’s for sure. But King George III of England had the tax loving thumbs, oh yeah! The collecting type of thumbs and, well, “thumbing” through a big stack of money in their hand. That was King George III of England. In 1774 the people of the original thirteen colonies had enough, and The Revolutionary War began.With a government in its infancy, colonists (and the world) played witness to the swiftest maturity process a country could possibly experience. It started with the colonies’ argument of Taxation without Representation. Soon after, the King of England sent extra troops to help control any rebellion.
In September,1774, the First Continental Congress was formed; an all-star lineup of delegates with the likes of George Washington, John Adams, and Samuel Adams. The concern at the forefront were the Intolerable Acts; laws passed by British Parliament to increase tax revenue in the American Colonies.Less than a year passed when, in April, 1775, British troops advanced on Concord, Massachusetts. The next thing that happened – I suppose – can be considered the earliest form of Homeland Security: Paul Revere sounded the alarm, “The British are coming! The British are coming!” as he rode horseback through the streets. The ensuing battle of Concord was the unofficial beginning of the war for independence.
Continental Congress
Within a year a Second Continental Congress was formed, as the First continental Congress could not reach a common ground or resolution. By June, 1776, their efforts reached yet another impasse, and formal declaration of independence committee was formed to expedite their purpose. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. A first draft of our Declaration of Independence was penned by Thomas Jefferson, with contributions by Adams and Franklin, and presented to Congress on June 28. Six days later, following several meetings and changes to the first draft, a vote was taken on the afternoon of July 4th, and the Declaration was signed. It’s said that John Hancock signed his name with “flair” so that King George can read it without glasses. On July 4, 1776, the colonists proclaimed independence from Britain and democracy in the United States was established.The freedom fought for by our founding fathers is instilled, not only in the hearts and minds of Americans, but by the droves of people who leave their homeland to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” The United States today is a diverse nation made up of many different nationalities. One thing unites us all: freedom. The symbol of our freedom is iconic, and arguably the most recognizable of symbols in the world. It’s our American Flag, and on this Fourth of July, it not only should be pledged, but carried, displayed, and celebrated.
Regardless of your plans on this year’s 233rd celebration of our freedom: attending a parade, throwing a barbecue, enjoying the weekend at your cottage, or simply attending a fireworks display, take your American flag with you. Mini American flags are great for mobile activities, and they can be displayed in many ways. You could also wear a patriotic flag pin on your shirt, just in case you’d like to have your hands free to eat a hamburger or hot dog from the grill. Going on a road trip? Get yourself an American car flag! Easy as pie! Apple pie! And just one more thing to consider on this Fourth of July… respect fireworks and the warning labels that come with them. A mini flag doesn’t necessarily require that you hold it with all five fingers, but it’s much easier to do when your hands aren’t covered in bandages. Have a great Fourth of July, friends!
Lexi
