Happy Independence Day

Well, today is the 4th of July. All countries have a 4th of July, but only the United States celebrates this day as a birthday. Today many will be out with family and friends, celebrating the long weekend and most likely watching a fireworks display later this evening. Hopefully many of you will also be remembering why we celebrate this day as our country's birthday.

For those of you who might want a refresher course in our Nation's history, this day is our 234th birthday. 234 years ago, the United States came into being with the final approval of the Declaration of Independence authored by Thomas Jefferson. The actual legal separation of the colonies from Great Britain actually occurred two days before, on July 2nd, 1776, when a vote of approval was given to a resolution of independence by the Second Continental Congress. The final approval of the Declaration of Independence was given on July 4, 1776. What is interesting though is that most historians have concluded the Declaration was signed nearly a month after its adoption, on August 2, 1776. That was when most of the delegates to Congress at the time penned their names on the document.

The United States' Declaration of Independence may well be the most cited, yet least read or understood document in American History. I found a link that has the Declaration written out so that we can all read it in it's entirety. This site has also provided some music for your reading pleasure: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/07/july-4-declaration-of-independence-text-html

No matter how you choose to celebrate this National Holiday, please take a moment to remember the brave men and women who have fought throughout the years so hard to keep our Nation free. It is because of their sacrifices that we have the freedom and liberty to celebrate 234 years of independence.

Here's to the United States of America. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Until tomorrow...