Happy 4th of July!

History.com,  which includes "Bet you didn't know:  Independence Day", 2:19 video, and more.

Flag replica of July 4, 1776

"Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).

In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues."

Related - honoring our modern age Armed Service Members one at a time. CNN, 7/4/12, "Soldier gets a homecoming surprise", video about 1:30 minutes.  Other news videos follow including flack over "Town bans flags on veterans' graves, and follow-up commentary." about 2 minutes.  Expect short commercials.

Posted by Kathy Meeh