Independence Day
On April 19, 1775, during the Battles of Lexington and Concord (Mass.), the first shots were fired between colonists and British troops, starting the American Revolution. After these first military conflicts, the tension between Britain and her American colonists continued to mount.
Finally, on July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted for independence from Britain. Two days later, on July 4, Congress approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, which had been written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
Finally, on July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted for independence from Britain. Two days later, on July 4, Congress approved the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, which had been written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
Did You Know?
The Congress had voted in favor of independence from Great Britain on July 2 but did not actually complete the process of revising the Declaration of Independence, originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson in consultation with fellow committee members John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and William Livingston, until two days later (July 4th). However, it wasn’t until August 2, 1776, that the Declaration was officially signed. John Hancock, president of the Congress, was the first of 56 delegates who signed this enlarged version, writing in big, bold letters.
The Independence Day celebration was initially modeled on that of the king’s birthday, which had been marked annually by bell ringing, bonfires, solemn processions, and oratory. The ritual of toasting the king and other patriot-heroes—or of criticizing them—became an informal kind of political speech, further formalized in the mid-18th century when the toasts were given at taverns and banquets began to be reprinted in newspapers.
In the early stages of the revolutionary movement in the colonies during the 1760s and early ’70s, patriots used such celebrations to proclaim their resistance to Parliament’s legislation while lauding King George III as the real defender of English liberties. However, the marking of the first days of independence during the summer of 1776 actually took the form in many towns of a mock funeral for the king, whose “death” symbolized the end of monarchy and tyranny and the rebirth of liberty.
The Independence Day celebration was initially modeled on that of the king’s birthday, which had been marked annually by bell ringing, bonfires, solemn processions, and oratory. The ritual of toasting the king and other patriot-heroes—or of criticizing them—became an informal kind of political speech, further formalized in the mid-18th century when the toasts were given at taverns and banquets began to be reprinted in newspapers.
In the early stages of the revolutionary movement in the colonies during the 1760s and early ’70s, patriots used such celebrations to proclaim their resistance to Parliament’s legislation while lauding King George III as the real defender of English liberties. However, the marking of the first days of independence during the summer of 1776 actually took the form in many towns of a mock funeral for the king, whose “death” symbolized the end of monarchy and tyranny and the rebirth of liberty.
Patriotic Tributes
Declaration of Independence
Ragged Old Flag
They Were There
This Land Is Our Land
America: Why I Love Her
Epilogue by John Wayne
2010 July 4th Celebration on the Capitol Mall
Though this video is 13 years old, it is as good today as it was in 2010. Enjoy...
GLVFA Reflects
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
-- Thomas Jefferson, 2nd paragraph, Declaration of Independence, 1776
Fourth of July celebration -- our GLVFA members, family, and friends will enjoy hotdogs, burgers, apple pie, barbecue, fireworks or bonfires -- these are the American icons of this special day, of celebration and festivities, but most importantly that of being an American. In reflection of our country's 247th birthday, and the birth of our democracy, we thank all our veterans (and the families that have supported them), who have fought those who have attempted to undermine our democracy. Our brave men and woman who have served in our military past and present have enabled all Americans to be able to pursue their lives, their liberties, and ultimately their pursuit of happiness.
-- Thomas Jefferson, 2nd paragraph, Declaration of Independence, 1776
Fourth of July celebration -- our GLVFA members, family, and friends will enjoy hotdogs, burgers, apple pie, barbecue, fireworks or bonfires -- these are the American icons of this special day, of celebration and festivities, but most importantly that of being an American. In reflection of our country's 247th birthday, and the birth of our democracy, we thank all our veterans (and the families that have supported them), who have fought those who have attempted to undermine our democracy. Our brave men and woman who have served in our military past and present have enabled all Americans to be able to pursue their lives, their liberties, and ultimately their pursuit of happiness.