Nearly two thousand of Washington’s twelve thousand men died during that winter encampment. In 1777, the British occupied the capital city of Philadelphia while Washington and his men struggled through a brutal winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. He hoped that they would find new meaning in the war for independence. On July 9, 1776, General George Washington, while concentrating troops in New York City, ordered the Declaration of Independence read aloud to his men. At that point, American and British forces already had been engaged in armed conflict for fifteen months. British troops were making landfall in New York as the Liberty Bell rang in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, Americans were getting good and bad news at the same time. On August 2, 1776, when most delegates signed the Declaration of Independence, it became official. Although independence had been declared, delegates of the Continental Congress had not yet inked their signatures onto the document. Americans rejoiced as word spread throughout the newly declared independent states. Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, July 4, 1776, and the alarm for freedom was sounded at Independence Hall with the Liberty Bell. This resolution contained three parts: separation from the British Crown, a call to form foreign alliances, and a plan for confederation. Congress did sign the Lee Resolution, named for Virginian Richard Henry Lee, on July 2. Adams’ eloquent words put the historical significance of American independence, and the consequence for failure if it was not achieved, into focus.Īlthough the Second Continental Congress made its decree for freedom on July 2, 1776, no one signed the Declaration of Independence. He was an example of how the new nation would carry on after the war by becoming our first vice-president, and our second president. Adams bore witness to, and was part of, the American dream for freedom. Although the official date comes later, Americans have celebrated their country’s birth date, and have followed Adams’ advice ever since. Adams believed that July 2, 1776, would be the date to mark and celebrate forever our Declaration of Independence. The emotions of this sharp-witted founding father speak of the momentous occasion. This quote is an excerpt from John Adams’ letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not." I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. "The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. The Library of Congress The Torch of Freedom © 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc.Painting portraying the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The painting is currently located at the Selectmen’s Room of Abbot Hall in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The original painting depicts a trio of Revolutionary soldiers marching with instruments, according to the Library of Congress. On July 4, 1922, three boys dressed in colonial attire embody the “Spirit of ‘76” - mimicking the painting created in 1876 by American artist Archibald M. July 4th is a patriot’s time to shineĪt a July 4th event hosted at The Ellipse park in Washington, D.C., in 1919, two women show off their patriotic pride with an American flag and a Statue of Liberty costume. In honor of the federal holiday, Fox News Digital is highlighting joyful moments captured on film over the years.Ĭheck out these classic photos - and enjoy them on July 4th and every day of the year. Today - on Monday, July 4 - our nation celebrates its 246th Independence Day. This July 4th, COVID is still killing hundreds of Americans each day Jeep named most patriotic automaker and brand 4th of July quiz! How well do you know Independence Day?
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