On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, PA, to adopt the Declaration of Independence which declared the thirteen original colonies were free from British rule. The document was drafted by a committee of five men that included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin and Robert Livingston. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence, mostly penned by Thomas Jefferson, was signed by representatives from the thirteen colonies.
After a fierce Revolutionary War against England, the Declaration of Independence signified that the colonies were finally free and independent. A flag was designed by Betsy Ross in May, 1776, that had a blue background and thirteen stars in a circle in the left corner, along with thirteen red and white stripes to represent the thirteen colonies.
June 14, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted a U.S. flag that had the thirteen stars arranged in a horizontal design, along with the thirteen red and white stripes. June 14th is honored as Flag Day, a day to proudly display our U.S. flags.
The tradition of setting off fireworks began in Philadelphia, PA, on July 4, 1777, when ships fired their cannons in a 13-gun salute to honor the 13 colonies. Along with the 13-gun salute, fireworks were set off that illuminated the night sky. Fireworks are still an important part of our Fourth of July celebrations.
Since 1776, our country has grown to include fifty states and five U.S. territories: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Each territory is partially self-governed and exists under the authority of the U.S. government.
On the Fourth of July, Americans celebrate our great country and the freedoms we enjoy with fireworks, parades, and picnics with family and friends.
By Karen Bowen
Karen is a member of Yuma Orchid & African Violet Society and is Pacific Region Butterfly Chairman.
Photo 1 Karen Bowen
June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted the U.S. flag. We call June 14th Flag Day.
Photo 2 Wikimedia
Artist John Trumbull painted this magnificent painting depicting the Committee of Five presenting the Declaration of Independence to Congress. It is not an actual representation, but the artist’s creation. The painting is found on the back of the $2 bill, and the original hangs in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C.
Photo 3 Wikipedia
In 1775, George Washington was appointed by the Second Continental Congress to be commander of the Continental Army. He led American soldiers to a victory against England during the Revolutionary War and is known as “Father of His Country”.
Photo 4 Wikimedia
This 18×26 ft. painting by Howard Christy depicts George Washington and the Constitutional Convention of 1787 signing the U.S. Constitution drafted at the convention. Washington is standing as Richard Spaight of North Carolina signs the Constitution.
