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Today we are celebrating America's 235th birthday. It all began way back on July 2, 1776, during the American Revolution, when the original 13 colonies secretly declared their independence from Great Britain. After several debates and revisions the official Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. Although already at war with Great Britain, this was the official date the Continental Congress voted to declare America's independence. With that signing, the United States of America was born. Today this is possibly one of our most important documents. Few people see this as an act of treason, but rather an act of independence.
Today is a Federal holiday in the US. No mail is delivered and no government offices are open. In a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776, he wrote that Independence Day should be celebrated with "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations." It appears that guns have been replaced with fireworks, although I will gladly sport my NRA tee shirt.
And because New York City boasts the most fantastic fireworks (yes, I was sitting on the Brooklyn Bridge watching the display in the late 1980s), I found this video from 2005. There is no audio, but the fireworks are always fun to watch, no matter where you live.
Enjoy your day, even if you don't live in the US. Please let me know how you are spending this holiday. Be sure it is safe and fun.
Monday, July 4, 2011
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9 thoughtful remarks:
Beautiful post. Patriotic, informative and explosive! Thanks for the gorgeous fireworks display.
Great post Elizabeth! I don't think many Brits see it as an act of treason either. I am in awe and envy of the national pride that extends for this day; and that it's a national holiday. We don't have that. Shame.
Was at a wedding at the weekend and moaned about your blogger comment issues to a young nerd. He immediately asked if you're using Chrome as your browser...said it could just be that - because Google wanna own ya!!
Happy 4th of July to you and Bleubeard. Thanks for the informative background to our holiday. I always enjoy the information you post.
Darla
Happy July 4th Elizabeth!! Hope you have a wonderful day - whatever you are doing!! It's only when I see the numbers that I realise just how young the US of A actually is!! LOL In the UK we have houses older than your country all over the map... weird eh? My little croft in Scotland was built in the mid 1850's and it wasn't even considered as ancient. Happy Independence Day to the US of A.
would love to see that NRA tee shirt...! thanks for the fireworks. John Adams quote is one I had not heard before and really like. I think the nation is still following his advise...happy & relaxing day to you!
Hi ya hun
Happy July 4th hun, great post, can't beat seeing fab fireworks, sue,x
Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog the other day... I hop over to your blog every now and then but hadn't been here for a while... It's good to find you still creative, still happy and still blogging! Enjoy the 4th, and see you around! Love from the Netherlands!
Hope your 2011 celebration was sparkling and fun dear E!
A couple of years ago we stayed overnight in Wash DC (very close to use) and walked to the Wash Monument and had a good ole time; getting in and out of the city can be a nightmare.
Most years we just step out front of our house and enjoy the show a nearby country club puts on...no traffic...no hassle...just right :)
Tonight I came inside afterwards and watched the Macy's fireworks on TV and they were fantastic!
Now I'm off to watch your video...thanks for sharing that!
oxo
You do lover your NRA shirt :)
I love you for that.
Yikes my comment is lame. I'm really tired and mostly just wanted to let you know that i stopped by.
xx,
amy
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