On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates from thirteen British colonies in America. The delegates were meeting as a provisional government in Philadelphia to dissolve political ties with Great Britain and declared that all men were created equal and had a right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This first American flag featured thirteen red and white stripes to represent the original colonies. The Declaration of Independence set in motion the process by which Americans would become a people separate from their government, a nation unto themselves.
The Declaration of Independence was a formal explanation of why Congress had voted on July 2 to declare independence from Britain. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the document announced that the American colonies were now independent states and no longer a part of the British Empire.
By declaring their independence, Americans also announced that they had formed a new nation, the United States of America. They agreed to support the Constitution, which had been written in 1787. By this act, Americans became citizens not only of their respective colonies, but also of a new and independent nation: the United States.
Independence Day is one of the oldest holidays in America, and it continues to be celebrated each year with parades, music, barbecues, picnics, and fireworks. Many people fly American flags or display them prominently at their homes or businesses as a sign of patriotism, and many Americans wear red white and blue or wave small flags as they watch parades. Old Glory stands for the values of the U.S. Constitution – liberty, justice, and humanity for all.
Independence Day can also be called Fourth of July, a name that comes from the date on which the Declaration of Independence was signed. In 1767, the second Continental Congress asked each of the colonies to establish a day of Thanksgiving in November to recognize and thank God for the blessings they had been given. In 1779, one day after being declared an official holiday by Congress, Washington ordered all American flags flown at half-mast as announcing his defeat of Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown.
Since then, the United States has celebrated every Fourth of July with friends and family gathering together to eat, drink, and watch fireworks in celebration. Americans celebrate their freedom on the Fourth because it represents the day when they were finally free from British rule. The Declaration was not signed until July 4th so the holiday did not become official until the date was finally recognized in 1941.
The Declaration of Independence is one of our most important historical documents because it defines American ideas about government and society. The right to declare independence is often referred to as “the sacred right of self-government.” While it has been modified significantly since July 4, 1776, the U.S. Constitution continues to serve as a symbol of American freedom and independence. The Fourth of July holiday is a celebration of America’s heritage and its commitment to democratic ideals and individual liberties.
The holiday also represents an opportunity for Americans to join together as one nation, regardless of ethnicity or creed. Celebration festivities include picnics, barbecues, parades, carnivals, concerts, sporting events and fireworks displays.
It is interesting to note that the official flag of the United States has changed 26 times since it was adopted in 1777. Today’s 50 stars represent our nation’s current number of states with the 13 stripes corresponding to the original 13 colonies which became the first states in the Union.
The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 and formally adopted by Congress as a pledge to the flag of the United States of America in 1942. It reads: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Independence Day is one of the oldest holidays in America, and it continues to be celebrated each year with barbecues, picnics and fireworks. Many people fly American flags at their homes or businesses as a sign of patriotism, and many Americans wear red white and blue or wave small flags as they watch parades. Old Glory stands for the values of the U.S. Constitution – liberty, justice, and humanity for all.
Independence Day can also be called Fourth of July, a name that comes from the date on which the Declaration of Independence was signed. In 1767, Congress asked each colony to establish a day of Thanksgiving in November to recognize and thank God for the blessings they had been given. In 1779, one day after being declared an official holiday by Congress, Washington ordered all American flags flown at half-mast as announcing his defeat of Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown.
Since then, Americans have celebrated every Fourth of July with friends and family gathering together to eat, drink, and watch fireworks in celebration. The Fourth of July holiday is a celebration of America’s heritage and its commitment to democratic ideals and individual liberties.
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