Celebrate Independence Day with us as we delve into its significance, unravel fascinating facts you may not be aware of, and pay tribute to the courageous men and women who have
selflessly given their lives for the freedom we cherish. Forever Warriors stands as a testament to the valor and sacrifice made by these brave individuals, ensuring their memory lives on in the hearts of our nation. We are proud to honor their unwavering commitment, embracing the true spirit of Independence Day with five interesting and less well-known facts.
Why do we celebrate Independence Day?
The celebration of Independence Day traces all the way back to the American Revolutionary War. The British colonists who had settled in the newly created North American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries were becoming frustrated with British rule and taxation. Their growing desire for the freedom to self-govern and cut ties with the increasingly disconnected British monarchy spurred the colonists into action. And on the 4th of July 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the colonies as independent states, against a backdrop of military action which lasted eight long years and cost the lives of an estimated 6,800 Americans in military action alone.
Independence Day has been celebrated since 1777 to recognize this enormous sacrifice and honor the principles of freedom and liberty. Traditional events center around family and community, with picnics, parades, and gatherings to celebrate the occasion. The night sky is ablaze with fireworks as the festivities extend into the evening, and the military community celebrates with a gun salute at noon in all US military bases, firing one gun for each state in the union.
Five facts about the 4th of July
Get into the 4th of July spirit by learning these five facts you may not know about Independence Day:
The Declaration of Independence wasn't actually signed on July 4th
After months of debate, it took the Committee of Five several weeks to draft the final Declaration of Independence. Eventually, the resolution was approved by Congress on July 2nd, 1776, officially declaring the thirteen colonies as independent. The signing of the Declaration then took place between August and November 1777. Independence Day is celebrated on the 4th of July to mark the adoption and announcement of the Declaration.
Independence Day wasn't recognized as a federal holiday until 1870
The people of Philadelphia were the first to mark the anniversary of American independence with a spontaneous celebration on the 4th of July, 1777. However, the date wasn't established as a national celebration until after the War of 1812, which reaffirmed American independence. In 1870, Congress officially recognized the 4th of July as a federal holiday across the United States, perhaps also to mark the passings of Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (1826) and James Monroe (1831), who all died on the 4th of July. The date quickly became the most popular secular holiday on the calendar.
John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers and the second President of the US, predicted that Independence Day would be celebrated on July 2nd
Officially, America declared its freedom from Great Britain on July 2nd, 1776, and the second President of the United States, John Adams, believed the event would be celebrated on this date. In a letter to his wife Abigail, he wrote, "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."
The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, hasn't been rung since 1846
The Pennsylvania Assembly ordered the Liberty Bell in 1751 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of William Penn's Charter of Privileges, Pennsylvania's original Constitution. The bell is famously cracked, with ongoing debate among historians about when the crack appeared. However, it is known that the bell rang for the final time on George Washington's birthday in 1846, when the crack expanded so much it rendered the bell unusable. The original draft of the Declaration of Independence was lost: Although the Declaration of Independence is displayed at The National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, the earliest known draft of the document was misplaced for 150 years. Then, in 1947, historian Julian P. Boyd discovered a fragment of what is known as the Composition Draft, believed to have been written in June 1776. Boyd found the fragment showing Thomas Jefferson's handwriting in a collection of primary documents he examined for The Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
Let freedom ring!
The War of Independence forged the American identity and has become integral to who we are and what we stand for. It celebrates the bravery and determination of our forebears and reminds us that our freedom is hard-won and should never be taken for granted. Every celebration holds in mind the loss of life and sacrifice made by those who have fought to protect and defend the freedom enjoyed in America today and for the last 247 years.
Join us in commemorating Independence Day and honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Discover intriguing facts, gain a deeper understanding of this historic day, and learn how Forever Warriors pays tribute to their courage. Together, let's elevate our appreciation and celebrate the true meaning of Independence Day.
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