Fourth of July, Independence Day 2016

Today, Happy Birthday America!

Military.com, History of the 4th of July.  "On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event."  Read article. 

Related history.   History.com, "July 4th." "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."  Also see,  Wikipedia, "Independence Day". Constitution Facts, "The story of the Fourth of July."

Related, Bay Area activities. SF Gate/Chronicle Staff Report, 6/30/16, "What to do on the Fourth of July weekend," includes 39 slides (mostly fireworks). Pacifica 8:45 a.m. 5-mile Rocket Run. $15. Pacifica Community Center; 10 am.- 4 p.m. celebration with crafts, games, live music and more. Frontierland Park, 900 Yosemite Drive. (More information and links, see Fix Pacifica reprint article, "4th of July 2016 activities.")  News article. SF Gate/Alyssa Pereira, 7/1/16, includes 18 slides. "The best 4th of July events around the Bay." "Independence Day isn't just about the fireworks (though they are great and generally the patriotic main event). Fourth of July celebrations should also deliver good barbecue, games, and obviously, summer sun. If you're lucky you might even get to nosh on those red, white and blue berry treats you're always seeing on the July issue covers of food magazines." 

Posted by Kathy Meeh