Independence Day: A Celebration of Nationhood
The Fourth of July
Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is an annual celebration of nationhood in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence was a formal statement of the thirteen American colonies' decision to declare their independence from British rule. It was based on the principles of popular sovereignty, liberty, and self-determination.
The Fourth of July has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. It is a time for parades, fireworks, barbecues, and other festive activities. It is also a time to reflect on the history and meaning of American independence.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was drafted by a committee of five men, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. It was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and signed by all 56 delegates present.
The Declaration of Independence is a masterpiece of political philosophy. It sets forth the principles that have guided the United States for over 200 years. These principles include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; the consent of the governed; and the separation of powers.
The Declaration of Independence is a reminder of the ideals that founded the United States. It is a call to freedom and self-determination that still resonates today.
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