Independence Day History

American Independence Day is celebrated each year on July 4th. This day is a remembrance of when the United States of America, or the Colonies, was declared as a separate nation from Great Britain. People came from Great Britain because of oppression by a tyrannist government under King George III. The reprehensible actions of this king are outlined in the Declaration, the draft of which was written by Thomas Jefferson, and edited by three others in the Second Continental Congress. Among those actions thrust upon the people of Great Britain under this king was taxation of the people without representation. This is why we have Senators from each state, whose job it is to represent the people of this United States of America to guard against the government taxing the people without representing the interests of the people. Also, it is the responsibility of the representatives to ensure the government does not become too strong, so that everyone in the country has a voice on how the country is run. There are many other listed actions by the tyrannist king listed in the Declaration of Independence which should be read, understood and remembered by the American people so that when unconstitutional actions are prevalent, they will be seen and done away with by our representatives in Congress. This is why Independence Day history is so very important. The idea of freedom is scriptural,and Jesus stated the following about how He can free those who come to Him: "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36 KJV).

Independence Day history began in the Pennsylvania statehouse, now called Independence Hall. A person by the name of Richard Henry Lee from Virginia wrote these words: "Resolved: that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved". These were the words Thomas Jefferson used as a basis to write the Declaration, and became the thoughts of those who represented the colonies in the Continental Congress when the drafts were written. In 1775, after these words of Declaration were written and sent to King George III, the king declared that the colonies were rebellious, and that the ships of the Americans were to be treated as an enemy. Therefore, gradually the congress began to pass resolutions to begin to build armies in order to fight enemies within and without this nation to engender its freedom. After several revisions by some members of congress, specifically Adams and Franklin, the final version of the Declaration was adopted on July 1, 1776. It was signed on the 4th of July, hence our independence day from Britain. The States did not actually ratify it until much later. The first person to sign the document was John Hancock, the president of the Congress, followed by the other members.

American Independence Day should be a time to recall the sacrifice our founding fathers made on our behalf to create this great nation, and to understand just what dangers were experienced to do so. Independence Day history tells of our founding fathers in the Continental Congress, and how these men met fairly regularly to discuss the important issues of independence from Great Britain, and some heated discussion ensued from representatives from each state. This kind of debate is healthy in a country where the voice of the people is important to balanced government. At that time, there were no political parties, but only the colonies. Thomas Jefferson was the first person to form a Republican Party, and then the Democratic Party was formed even later. The Republican Party was to represent the new republic of the United States of America. If one takes the time to read some biographies of our famous founding fathers, a great understanding of the ideals and convictions will be obtained which underlay the foundation of this great country.

Americans, who wish to gain a greater understanding of Independence Day history and of how this country was founded, should visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There a tour is given to visitors which presents a wonderful history of what when on in that building and why. Visiting historical sites in this city gives one a good appreciation for those who worked for the freedom of this nation. One also begins to understand just how large our government has grown since those early days over two hundred years ago. In 2001, on American Independence Day, President George W. Bush stated that the Declaration is the standard to which the government should hold itself. Keeping a close watch on today's political news will help anyone to understand the actions our representatives in Washington are performing on behalf of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, to truly represent the people. It is the highest standard to which all people in government should hold themselves.

American Independence Day is celebrated by parades, picnics, fireworks and all manner of festivities all across this nation each year. Families use this day to gather with families and friends for cook outs and to remember. Vacations are sometimes used to visit those historical sites that have importance to the founding of this country, so that the children will learn how this country was founded and where the historical events took place. This is something everyone can do from time to time to keep these events alive in the minds of people from generation to generation. American Independence Day is one of the greatest historical holidays a country can celebrate.

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