4th of July History (cont'd.)
... is commemorated in every state as well as other regions of the United States.
Although Independence Day was not celebrated in America until after the War of 1812, it continues to be the most significant holiday in American history. On July 4th, 1776, the United States declared their Independence from England. English laws and authorities would no longer govern America. The countries first great leaders ascertained their own Democracy, a government by the people for the people. The idea of social impartiality and civil liberties was now in place. Not long after this the rest of the world began taking notice and stories of the “American Dream” spread across several foreign territories. When approaching American waters, voyagers on very large ships could see the Statue of Liberty, which has been and will always be a symbol of freedom and independence.
The document that provided Americans with these rights after getting admittance to the Unites States was the Declaration of Independence. The declaration was instituted to assure and protect the rights of each American citizen to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The declaration also constituted the right for American citizens to change or eliminate their government as well as have it replaced, with a government that ensures their happiness and security. What the declaration was to the rights of the Americans, so was the Constitution to the official structure of the United States. The Constitution was established on September 17th, 1787, it ascertained integrity, insured domestic serenity, provided for the common defense, endorsed general benefits, and safeguarded the blessings of freedom to everyone and their generation. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were the foundation of the American nation.
The Declaration of Independence has become one of the most respected and copied political documents in history. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and revised by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Jefferson. It is a rationalization of the American Revolution, quoting injustice against King George III. It is also a milestone in idealistic statements, drawing on the writings of the philosophers John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau. It states that since all individuals are beings of God, or nature, they have natural rights, or liberties, that cannot be defied.
It is very essential to learn about the history of your country. You must never forget or take for granted the hardships those who came before you went through in the past in order to achieve the freedoms that you have in the present. So raise a flag, have a picnic, get together with friends and family, and whenever you hear fireworks and see them light up the American sky on the 4th of July, always remember that your present happiness is due to the men and women who were willing to sacrifice their lives in order for you to be free. The Declaration and the American Revolution have since then inspired freedom seekers around the world.
