HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

Today we celebrate the birth of our nation. However it was July 2, 1776 when the resolution on independence was passed in Continental Congress with the Declaration of Independence stating the reasons for our separation from England. Of that day John Adams stated "The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more."

We now celebrate this occasion on July 4th since tradition holds that the Declaration of Independence was signed by members of that Continental Congress on this date. In reality only the President, John Hancock, and the Secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson, fixed their signatures. The actual signing would not take place until Friday August 2, after a fair copy had been printed.

We owe much to these men, our founding fathers, who knew that they were committing an act of treason by affixing their signature to this document and if caught by the British during the War would be hung. Yet they were willing to make this great sacrifice for the birth of our Nation. "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Great words to live by.