VaBeachGuy 12 Posted July 4, 2004 In the United States we celebrate the 4th of July. What is it that we are celebrating though? The 4th of July is called Independence Day and it is the day we celebrate the birth of our nation in 1776. I've always felt it was a little misleading to call it Independence day though. On April 19, 1775 war broke out between England and the 13 English colonies in north America at Lexington, Massachusetts and nearby Concord. This was the beginning of the American Revolution, known in the United States as the Revolutionary War. More then a year after the war began, on July 2, 1776, the the Second Continental Congress officially resolved that the united colonies should be free and independent states. On July 4, the Declaration of Independence was formally approved by Congress and that is why we celebrate July 4th as the Birth date of the United States of America. It would take an additional 7 years before Independence was truly won though when on September 3, 1783 the Treaty of Paris was signed ending the war and England recognized the United States independence. It wasn't until 5 more years had passed that on July 2, 1788 that our Constitution was ratified and became the law of the land, setting the frame work for what we now know as the Federal Government. So, every July 4th we celebrate the birth of our nation and we celebrate the Declaration of our Independence from England and King George III. It is a day of great national pride where parades take place, families are in their back yards cooking on the grill or are in parks having picnics. In the evening, after the sun has gone down there are grand fireworks shows all across the country. It is a day of National unity where political boundaries vanish and we are all one people, one Nation. So, to all of those that read this for which this day has meaning I want to say Happy 4th of July, and to the Nation that I love so much and to the flag that I saluted while I was in the Army I say Happy 228th Birthday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odo 0 Posted July 4, 2004 We declared are indenpence in 1776 but not get it really till the Paris accoards of 1882 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Odo 0 Posted July 4, 2004 Happy Birthday to us Happy Birthday To us Happy Birthday Dear America Happy Birthday to you as the greatest nation on earth celebrates its 228th b day and they said a free people would not last PSSSPSSTTSSPT we have and we will and we will endure Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Star Trek Fan 0 Posted July 4, 2004 :) :) :) B) B) WOO HOO!!! HAPPY D-DAY!!! (Declaration day)!!! HAPPY B-DAY TOO!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HRH The KING 0 Posted July 5, 2004 Well, I'm British, but I'll still say Happy Independence Day!!!! Happy Birthday America. God bless you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
master_q 0 Posted July 5, 2004 Happy Forth of July!! There is no other nation like the United States of America. It is such a blessing that I live in the freest of all lands. Master Q StarTrek_Master_Q@yahoo.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
