Let's Chat About...Independance Day
This year the 4th of July lands on a Thursday, coincidentally the same day my blog is published!
Independance Day commemorates the adoption of the "Declaration of Independance" in 1776. It became a Federal Holiday in the United States in 1870, but the tradition of celebrating this day goes back to the 18th Century and the American Revolution.
On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of the Declaration of Independance, which was drafted and signed by Thomas Jefferson. This document represents the origin of American Independance. Ever since then, Americans have been celebrating with Fireworks, Parades, Public Celebrations and Family Gatherings.
When the battle of the Revolutionary War broke out in April of 1775, few colonists desired independence from Great Britian and those who did were considered radicals.
About a year later the tide had turned and many wanted independence due to hostility against Britian and the spread of revolutionary sediments.
On June 7, 1776, Congress met at "Independance Hall" in Pennsylvania where a motion was made calling for the colony's independence.
Five men were chosen to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britian. Thomas Jefferson (Virginia), John Adams (Massachusetts), Roger Sherman (Connecticut), Benjamin Franklin (Pennsylvania) and Robert R Livingston (New York).
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted in favor of the resolution, written largely by Thomas Jefferson, and 2 day later, on July 4th it was signed.
Fun Facts:
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4th, 1826. Exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independance.
President George Washington issued double rations of rum to soldiers marking the anniversary of signing day in 1778 and 1781.
The 1st fireworks were used in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first official celebration of Independance Day. A ship's cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. The same night, the "Sons of Liberty" set off fireworks over Boston Common.
The 13 American Colonies at that time were:
New Hampshire
Massachusetts Bay
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Maryland
Delaware
Virginia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia
This patriotic celebration became even more common after the War of 1812, when the United States faced Great Britian again.
In 1870, Independance Day became a Federal Holiday and in 1941 the law was amended to make it a paid holiday for federal employees.
"The Star-Spangled Baner" is the National Anthem of the United States. It was written by poet Francis Scott Key when he watched US Soldiers under bombardment from British Naval Forces during the War of 1812 raise a large American Flag over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. This tune became the official Anthem in 1931.
Many people like to decorate for the Holiday using the traditional red, white & blue colors. Flags and fireworks are often incorporated in the scene. Most purchase their decorations from a store, but making your own is a fun and meaningful option! I have attached a link below to a popular DIY website to check out.
We enjoy going to the lake over 4th of July to gather with family & friends! In the evening, you can sit on shore anywhere around the lake and enjoy the spectacular fireworks display or go out onto the water and view from a boat or pontoon.
Our cabin is on Maple Lake in Mentor, MN and every year there is Golf Cart Parade which begins at the Pavillion. This is so much fun for kids and adults alike! If you are interested in a Parade T-Shirt, check out this website at teesnthreads.com
I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July celebrating our nations independence! Please share your thoughts and / or experiences in the comments below.
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