American Spirit

Today millions of us will celebrate the birth of our nation with cookouts and fireworks, my family included. Each year though, I like to take some time to remember why we celebrate and also all those who have fought, or are fighting, for the freedom and liberties we all to often take for granted. Thank you to you and your families for all the sacrifices you make.


There are many though who don't serve in the military, but still fight for and honor the spirit of our nation. I read a wonderful story in Parade Magazine yesterday, A Grand Old Flag. I thought Ms. Haven's family story was a great statement of the spirit and character that can still be found in many Americans today. So, for all the Ricky Haven types out there-Thank you too for your courage and strength, and for making this a wonderful country to live in.

Fun 4th of July Facts:

• In May, 1776, after nearly a year of trying to resolve their differences with England, the colonies sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. Finally, in June, admitting that their efforts were hopeless; a committee was formed to compose the formal Declaration of Independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. On June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson presented the first draft of the declaration to Congress.
• Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee.
• Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
• The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall on July 8, 1776, summoning citizens to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.
• June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, looking to promote national pride and unity, adopted the national flag. “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
• The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’
• The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.
• Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826.
• The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it.
• The names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were withheld from the public for more than six months to protect the signers. If independence had not been achieved, the treasonable act of the signers would have, by law, resulted in their deaths.

from purpletrail.com

**Happy 4th Everyone!**