Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy Holiday...I Think ?

Sometimes the dates involving important happenings in our history are questionable at best.

Seems there is some different opinions about when the actual Independence Day should be celebrated! Here's what I mean.

Born on the Second of July… or August

“In Congress, July 4, 1776,” begins the Declaration of Independence, pictured above, “a declaration by the representatives of the United States of America, in general congress assembled.” From this document began the United States, and from that line comes Independence Day, celebrated annually in the U.S. on the fourth of July.

But some believe that July 4, 1776, is not truly America’s independence day. That honor should fall to either July 2, 1776, or August 2, 1776.

On June 11, 1776, the Continental Congress created a sub-committee of five delegates — Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman — empowered to write a first draft of a declaration of independence. Jefferson took the lead and the quintet delivered their draft on June 28th. After a few days of debates and revisions, the Congress voted to declare independence — on July 2nd, not July 4th. The next day — July 3rd — Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, discussing the Declaration and its significance. In part, Adams wrote:

The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, 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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

While Adams appropriately described the revelry, he whiffed on the date. Instead, we Americans celebrate independence on the 4th, the day the Continental Congress ratified the text of the document.

Ratified — but not signed. According to National Geographic, many of those who signed the famous piece of parchment simply were not present on the 4th of July and the document was not signed until August 2nd. This belief is buttressed by the journals of the Continental Congress itself; as stated by the National Archives, “on August 2, the journal of the Continental Congress records that ‘The declaration of independence being engrossed and compared at the table was signed.’ One of the most widely held misconceptions about the Declaration is that it was signed on July 4, 1776, by all the delegates in attendance.”

While the July 4th date is, probably, the least relevant of the three, it does lend itself to a fantastic coincidence. Of the five drafters of the Declaration, Adams and Jefferson would go on to become President of the United States. And both Adams and Jefferson share something else in common: both died on July 4, 1826 — fifty years to the day the Declaration was ratified.

Despite any confusion, the day we all should celebrate is Independence Day, the 4TH of July. We can all be proud that our nation is one where many freedoms are enjoyed. However, freedom isn't free! More than a few good men and women have paid the ultimate price so that we could enjoy the blessings we have today! Remember to thank a vet when you can, and pray for those that still serve today.

Coffee out on the patio this morning. Ice cream for breakfast anyone?

8 comments:

Mamahen said...

We have many Veterans in our family and we are very proud of them as well as my nephew who is currently in the Air Force. Thank you to ALL our Vets including my son-in-law and YOU Mr Hermit :)) How about I bring fresh strawberry pie and we can have some of your ice cream with it :))

Chickenmom said...

Our country is a bit off-kilter now, but hopefully she will right herself and learn from the mistakes that have been made. Happy 4th of July to all!

JO said...

THANK YOU MY FRIEND! and all others who may stop here today.

Yes we are off kilter and hope to see some much better changes with a new President next go round.

Ice should never be turned down no matter what time of day it is. And it goes great with coffee too.

Happy 4th everyone stay safe.

linda m said...

I have many active duty and veterans in my family. thank you to ALL veterans. Happy Fourth to everyone and Happy Birthday America

HermitJim said...

Hey Mamahen...
I'm sure that all the vets appreciate the good wishes. Having a lot of support from family and friends can make a lot of difference.

Thanks for coming by this morning.



Hey Phyllis...
We all can certainly hope so. Off kilter is something we should be able to handle, if the PTB will work on it some.

Thanks for coming over today!



Hey Jo...
Like you say, ice cream should never be turned down!

All we can do is hope that things get better with the changing of the guard.

Thanks, sweetie, for stopping by this morning!



Hey Linda M...
Having a lot of vets in the family as well as active members of the armed services makes you proud, I'm sure!

Thanks for coming by today and tell all the vets in the family thank you for me!

Anonymous said...

Happy 4th of July!

It sounds better when one says 4th of July compared to the two other to be honest :-)

Christer.

Dizzy-Dick said...

I got a good suggestion, why don't we celebrate independence day on all three dates. Nothing wrong with a couple more holidays is there?

HermitJim said...

Hey Christer...
I have to think you're right about it sounding better!

Thanks, my friend, for coming over today!



Hey Dizzy...
I do like the way you think, buddy! I'm all in favor of more time for celebrating.

Thanks for stopping in today!