Happy Independence Day

While our team is taking the day to enjoy with our friends and family it is nice to remember how July 4th became a National holiday. It was back in 1776 when the original thirteen colonies separated from Great Britain during the American Revolution.  On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted on independence from Great Britain.  On July 3, 1776 John Adams wrote, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” (“Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, ‘Had a Declaration…'”. Adams Family Papers. Massachusetts Historical Society. Retrieved June 28, 2009.).  It was actually on July 4, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was ratified.  John was a day off in his predication of when the Declaration would be signed but he was correct that it was a day that should be celebrated. And now over 200 years later we take the day to spend with our family and friends, having bar b que’s, pool parties and enjoying the freedoms of being Americans. Happy Independence Day from our team!