Sunday, July 4, 2010

Today is the 4th of July. Is your flag flying?

 July 4 is a very important day in the History of the United States of America.

Also known as Independence Day, it is observed with fireworks, cookouts, concerts, parades, and many many more festivities.

But, why is this day so important?

Years ago we didn’t have to ask that question.

But in recent years many facts about this day and the surrounding days and years have become hazy, foggy, and even non-existent.

Bottom line answer as to why this day is important as described on Wikipedia is:

“During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia."

"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.”

So, The Declaration of Independence was signed, the Revolutionary war ensued and many lives and fortunes were lost, but ultimately the signers and patriots prevailed and the United States of America was established.

Have you ever read it?

Today, as we celebrate the 4th of July, it would be good if we all took a few minutes and read what it was that they signed.  It explains why the United States of America ‘came to be’.  HERE’S THE LINK.