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What is Independence Day?
Declaration of Independence
Independence Day is the holiday that commemorates the independence of the United States
of America from Great Britain. The United States originally represented itself as a
sovereign nation when the second continental congress adopted the Declaration of
Independence on July 4, 1776. This document was considered the final notification to
Britain that America had severed all ties to the motherland. Independence Day is a day to
celebrate the birth of America and the freedoms that were gained in its quest for
independence.
Revolutionary War
Although the Declaration of Independence made it clear to the world that America intended
to be a free and independent nation, one major obstacle to independence
remained—the Revolutionary War. By the time congress adopted the Declaration of
Independence, the war was already being fought and the end was far from certain. America
had shown the world that it intended to be an independent country, but to do so it still
had to withstand and overcome the wrath of the most powerful nation on earth.
The Revolutionary War was neither easily fought nor quickly concluded. The British used
their numbers and naval strength to devastate coastal territories with occupation and
bombardment. Ragtag militia groups were repeatedly drawn together to face superior royal
forces under difficult circumstances. Americans sustained numerous defeats on the
battlefield, but the determination of the American nation to remain free ultimately
prevailed. On October 19, 1781, George Washington accepted the surrender of the British
at Yorktown, Virginia and at last America was truly free.
The claims made in the Declaration of Independence were upheld by the
determination and endurance of Americans who fought and died in the American
Revolutionary War. America earned the privilege of freedom and validated the joy of those
souls who celebrated their independence before the war’s end. The Declaration of
Independence withstood the challenge of British resistance and a new nation emerged with
freedoms and rights never known to any other land.
Why is Independence Day Important to Americans Today?
From the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by congress, every subsequent
generation has inherited freedoms and rights that were unattainable before that time. The
United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights brought additional freedoms that all
Americans should know and respect.
These rights are granted to all Americans because of
independence:
| Freedom of
religion |
| Freedom of
assembly |
| Freedom of
speech |
| Freeom of
press |
| Freedom to
keep and bear arms |
| Freedom to a
fair and speedy trial by an
impartial jury |
| Freedom to
petition |
| Freedom of
limitation of power of the federal government |
| Freedom from
unreasonable search and seizure |
| Freedom from
double jeopardy (being tried more
than once for the same crime) |
It is important to remember that the freedoms we enjoy in America were
earned by our forefathers as they fought and died for independence. As a nation, America
has learned that freedom does not come for free. There is always the possibility that the
freedom we know will be threatened and that we must also fight for its
preservation.
How Should We Honor Our Forefathers on Independence
Day?
To honor the sacrifices of those who paved the way for American freedom, we should
celebrate every Independence Day with patriotism and the enjoyment of those freedoms we
possess.
Celebrate with Patriotism
 John Adams, the second president of the United States and a signer of the Declaration of
Independence said this of Independence Day, “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 Almighty God. 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
forth forevermore” (3). John Adams knew the significance of America’s
independence. He believed that the holiday should be remembered and celebrated with all
of the energy and excitement that are made possible with American freedom.
If John Adams were alive today, he would certainly see that
Independence Day by Americans in the way he described. Americans spend the day hours of
Independence Day enjoying parades, picnics, barbeques, and parties. The nights are spent
in lighting fireworks at home or enjoying a fireworks show. Other Independence Day
traditions include flying the American flag, playing patriotic songs, and decorating with
red, white, and blue colors.
The fourth of July is a day to remember how America gained its
independence. It is a day to honor those who fought and died to achieve a better way of
life for future generations. Independence Day is a day to reflect on the great freedoms
that Americans enjoy, and to realize that those freedoms come at a price. On Independence
Day, American’s should always remember how precious freedom is and celebrate the
day as our forefathers intended.
 Try our Independence Day Treat: An original Family Fun Shop
Recipe
"Brownie Chunks"
Enjoy the fun and fireworks with some great tasting brownies.
These soft and chewy brownies also have chocolate chips
inside.
Try Our Independence Day Word Puzzles
"Independence Day Crossword
Puzzle"
"Independence Day Word
Search"
- Article by Wes Fessler
WAIT!  There's more to explore!
See our sitemap or go to our homepage to find more fun.
 MORE HOLIDAYS
at Family Fun Shop |
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Sources:
1. Capitol Complex, “Surrender of Lord
Cornwallis”
http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/rotunda/surrender_cornwallis.cfm [Accessed 26 June
2007]
2. Bookrags, “American Revolutionary War”
http://www.bookrags.com/wiki/American_Revolutionary_War [Acccessed 26 June 2007]
3. Olcott, Francis J. “The Declaration of
Independence”
http://www.worldwideschool.org/library/books/youth/holidaystories/goodstoriesforholidays/
GoodStoriesforHolidays-Independence/chap0.html [Accessed 26 June 2007]
4. wikipedia.org “Independence Day (United
States)”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)
[Accessed 26 June 2007]
5. Johnson, David, “Independence Day”
http://www.factmonster.com/spot/independenceday1.htm [Accessed 26 June 2007]
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