VET STORY “We Declared Freedom” Happy Fourth Of July

 VET STORY

“We Declared Freedom”

By Reginal G. Lyerly

Before there was ever a United States of America, there were 13 colonies.

Their legislative body was the Continental Congress. On July 2 nd 1776, this

congress voted in favor of independence and the Declaration of Independence

was drafted on July 4 th 1776 by Thomas Jefferson (3 rd U.S. President). July 4th is

recognized as the official Independence Day for the United States of America. This

commemorates the official announcement of the colonies’ separation from Great

Britain.

Massachusetts was the first state to make July 4 th an official state holiday.

The tradition of fireworks on this day dates back to 1777 in Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania during its first organized celebration. The ship’s cannon fired a 13-

gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. This celebration of patriotism became

more well- known and widespread after the War of 1812. By the year 1870, The

United States Congress made July 4 th a federal holiday and has been a paid holiday

for federal employees since 1941.

This observance is widely regarded as one of national patriotism

transcending all political views and ideologies. As a mid-summer holiday, millions

of people celebrate with family get-togethers, cookouts, barbecues while some

observances celebrate with fireworks. The most common American visual symbol

is the American Flag which has varied over the years until it bears all 50 of its

states since 1959. The most common musical accompaniment is the Star

Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key in 1814. President Woodrow Wilson (28th

U.S. President) adopted this song as its de facto National Anthem in 1916. On

March 3, 1931, the United States Congress passed a joint resolution making it the

official national anthem of the United States and signed into law by President

Herbert Hoover (32 nd U.S. President).

The United States of America has always been regarded as the symbol of

freedom and perseverance. The legacy as of the world’s most unique and free

nation continues to serve the standard as the self-styled “Land of Opportunity.

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