Posted by: Dr. Whorovitch on Saturday, July 4th, 2009 to Fiesta Platter, Poli-tics me off!


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Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal American holiday  commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. 

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 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 Committe of five, with Principal Author: Thomas Jefferson

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Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776 instead of July 4th. 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.”

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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.

In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, (the two founding father of the U.S.) both died on July 4, 1826. President James Monroe died on the 4th of July as well. What a patriotic way to go!

Patriotic Funeral



One Response to “ 4th of July History: American Independence Day! ”

  1. [...] 4th of July History: American Independence Day! | Chisme Time By Dr. Whorovitch Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal American holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on. Chisme Time – http://chismetime.com/ [...]

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