Independence Day is the celebration of adoption of the Declaration of Independance. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by the Second Continental Congress - July 4, 1776. This statement gave the colonies freedom from Great Britain.
Independence Day was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. In 1941, Congress declared July 4 a federal legal holiday.
"It ought to be solemnized with pomp
and parade, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of
this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."
-John Adams
National Council of Fireworks Safety
Download a Fireworks Screen Saver
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Excerpt of the Declaration of Independence:
In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal."
"I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death."
Decorations:
Hang red, white and blue streamers.
Wear the flag colors on the 4th.
Red, white and blue napkins and plates.
Hang a map of the United States.
Get a patriotic paper tablecloth.
Make a hot dog stand out of a cardboard box.
Decorate with small flags.
Make a red, white and blue treat with strawberries and blueberries on shortcake topped with whipped cream.
Have red punch with blue ice cubes. You can make the blue icecubes with food coloring or berry blue koolaid.
Make a Happy Birthday America cake.
Picnics and Cookouts from Fabulous Foods
Apple Country Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Recipe
Tour Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington
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Stand and put your right hand over your heart. Now recite with me:I pledge Allegiance to the Flag, of the United States of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Activities: Musical parade with bikes and instruments. Send Fourth of July Cards Make flags out of construction paper and lick and stick stars.
Make Go see the fireworks! Plant a tree as a present to our land. Face Painting Be thankful for your freedom. Buy or make a pair of stilts to walk around on. We tried them out trip to Colonial Williamsburg a few years back. Get out the backyard games like croquet, badmitten, volleyball, tetherball, etc. Colonial Crafts and Activities Liberty Kids Fun and games, behind the scense of the animated series and try out then and now A Colonial Family and Community Mini movies, historic documents, interactive question and answers
Colonial Music Alive and well Download free Patriotic Music Visit John Philip Sousa Composer of the Stars and Stripes Forever
Words to the Star Spangled Banner: What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
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