HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! How are you celebrating the holiday today?
Today is the two-hundred and forty-third anniversary of America's independence. On July 4th, 1776, the original thirteen colonies officially declared separation from Great Britain and celebrated the first 'Independence day'. By digging deeper into the history of Independence Day and you will see the evolution of the holiday over the last two-hundred and forty-three years. Included will be some fun facts about the history of our beloved holiday.
The holiday does not celebrate the signing of the Declaration; it celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress. In a now-famous letter to his wife, Abigail, dated July 3, 1776, John Adams made a prediction that the “Second Day of July” would be celebrated as American Independence Day, since the Congress had actually voted to sever ties with Great Britain the day before. The thirteen colonies originally celebrated at night, with a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.
There are many Fourth of July traditions that people participate in each year, do you participate in any of these activities? Activities include parades, barbeques, swimming, bike rides, family, friends, drinking, beaches, and fireworks. There are lots of different traditions people celebrate each year, but regardless of how you celebrate, I want to encourage everyone to remember why we celebrate. As well as stay safe and make good choices in order to have a good Fourth of July.
