4th Of July - Independence Day

On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence at once became the nation's most cherished symbol of liberty and Thomas Jefferson's most enduring monument.  Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson expressed the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people.  The political philosophy of the Declaration was not new; its ideals of individual liberty had already been expressed by John Locke and the Continental philosophers.  What Jefferson did was to summarize this philosophy in "self-evident truths" and set forth a list of grievances against the King in order to justify before the world the breaking of ties between the colonies and the mother country.

At the time the 13 colonies were set on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation the population was 2.5 million.  Today the population of the United States of America is 313.9 million. 

As always, this most American of holidays will be celebrated by citizens with parades, fireworks and barbecues all across the country.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM ALL OF US AT NATIONAL WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN!

Happy 4th of July - Independence Day

John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, on the second day of July, 1776, "Today will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America.  I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.  It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.  It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated Independence Day on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

This 4th of July please be mindful of the blessing  we as Americans are celebrating .  Remember all the sacrifices that delivered this day to us, and all the sacrifices that are made every day to enable us to keep it.