Tuesday, July 3, 2012

July 4, 1776


  On July the 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence
was approved by the Continental Congress.
Thereafter, the 13 colonies embarked on the road
to freedom as a sovereign nation. This most 
American of holidays is traditionally celebrated
with parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country. 

4th of July History & Trivia - Did You Know
The major objection to being ruled by Britain was
 taxation without representation. The colonists had
no say in the decisions of English Parliament.
In May, 1776, after nearly a year of trying to resolve
 their differences with England, the colonies sent delegates
to the Second Continental Congress. Finally, in June, admitting
that their efforts were hopeless; a committee was formed to
compose the formal Declaration of Independence. 
Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman.
On June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson presented the first draft of the
declaration to Congress.  Betsy Ross, according to legend,
sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee. Independence Day was first celebrated in
Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

3 comments:

  1. Hope you all have a nice 4th also!! Love the background on your blog!!

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  2. Have a lovely 4th July from us across the pond.
    Best wishes Molly

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  3. Well.....now the irony is that more than half of Americans get representation without taxation, so they have no skin in the game! :/

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