As you can see, I said Independence Day, not Fourth of July. That’s because nobody I know says Merry Twenty-Fifth of December or Happy First of January. Just as those are Christmas and New Year official holidays, Independence Day is the official title of this holiday. As far back as July 4, 1777, the United States of America citizens have been celebrating its declaration of independence from Britain with parades, parties, fireworks and more.
Daughters of the American Revolution & US Flag
I am a proud member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. When I realized this, I couldn’t wait to become a member. My direct biological ancestors fought for our independence, and that means a great deal to me. On my adoptive side of the family, I am also a descendant of Revolutionary War soldiers, at least two of whom wintered at Valley Forge with Gen. George Washington. That’s why Independence Day is my preferred greeting.
US Flag & Liberty Bell
We all remember stories of Betsy Ross and the first US flag, but do we remember much about the Liberty Bell? Below are two short quotes from ushistory.org/libertybell/.
“Tradition tells of a chime that changed the world on July 8, 1776, with the Liberty Bell ringing out from the tower of Independence Hall summoning the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.”
“There is widespread disagreement about when the first crack appeared on the Bell. Hair-line cracks on bells were bored out to prevent expansion. However, it is agreed that the final expansion of the crack which rendered the Bell unringable was on Washington’s Birthday in 1846.”
And the first paragraph from the Declaration of Independence (from archives.gov):
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
Again, Happy Independence Day, everyone!