Independence Day
Happy Birthday USA
Never Forget Why We Celebrate The Fourth Of July!
One Nation; One People; Under God
On July 4, 1776, we claimed
our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day
thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and
the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.
The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic
people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and
independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.
Through the Internet we are
learning about and communicating with people of different nations,
with different languages and different races throughout the world.
Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only
benefit all nations.
Happy Birthday, America!
Independence Day
In the United States, Independence Day (commonly known as the “Fourth
of July,” “July Fourth”, the “Glorious Fourth”, or simply the “Fourth”)
is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of
Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of
Great Britain.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades,
barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private
events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United
States. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since
1777.
Though the Fourth of July is iconic to Americans, some claim the date
itself is somewhat arbitrary. New Englanders had been fighting Britain
since April 1775. The first motion in the Continental Congress for
independence was made on June 4, 1776. After hard debate, the Congress
voted unanimously, but secretly, for independence from Great Britain on
July 2 (the Lee Resolution) and appointed Thomas Jefferson to write a
draft. The Congress reworked the draft until a little after eleven
o’clock, July 4, when twelve colonies voted for adoption (New York
abstained from both votes) and released a copy to the printers signed
only by John Hancock, President of the Congress, and Secretary Charles
Thomson.
Quotes
"Freedom is the last, best hope of earth." – Abraham Lincoln
"Liberty cannot be caged into a charter or handed on ready-made to the
next generation. Each generation must recreate liberty for its
own times. Whether or not we establish freedom rests with ourselves."
-- Florence Ellinwood Allen
"The
secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom, courage." –
Thucydides
