July 4 is Independence Day in America and a federal holiday. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed by the Continental Congress. Thirteen American colonies declared their independence from the King George III of Britain. They considered themselves to be united, yet free and independent states.
Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence after discussing it as a part of a five member committee. The historic document was drafted on July 2 but it was put to vote on July 4.
The committee consisted of
- Thomas Jefferson
- John Adams
- Roger Sherman
- Benjamin Franklin
- Robert R. Livingston
John Adams considered July 2 being the date on which America celebrates its independence. He refused to celebrate it on the Fourth of July and instead made it clear that he would not celebrate on this day. Incidentally both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826. It was the fiftieth year of American Independence.
July 4 or Independence Day or the Fourth of July as it is often referred to is marked by
- parades
- fireworks
- barbecues
- carnivals
- picnics
- concerts
- private events
- parties
- reunions
- public events
- travel
- hoisting the American flag
The entire country is out to celebrate as it comes in summer and generally the weather is good.
President Joe Biden had mentioned the Declaration’s idea of who we are. In his candidacy more than a couple of years ago in April 19 Biden presented his idea of America in a manner similar to the original writer of the Declaration of Independence – Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson had articulated the idea that “all men are created equal” in 1776. Biden reiterated the same line after two hundred and forty one years. Biden used Jefferson’s “idea of America” in his campaign and won.
The nation needs to unite around “the idea of America” and the concept that all people “are created equal” to succeed instead of getting mired in the far left or far right ideologies which seek to divide rather than to unite.
