Declaration of Indepedence

In U.S. government we have started the foundation of American Government, and we are about to look at the document that makes the colonists break from England official.  While I was in Philadelphia at Independence Hall where the Declaration was signed, the park ranger said something interesting.  He said every group has an Origin Story.  This is America's Origin Story.  I love that!

And this document made it official.  The colonist put off declaring independence for so long.  I think the best example of that is the fact the colonists fought the war for over a year before they declared independence.  They loved being English.  They just wanted to be represented.  They wanted a say in the taxes they had to pay, or acts they had to follow.

But the Declaration was meant to be heard - not read.  Below is a fantastic reading of the Declaration from famous actors!  Listen to the words!  The main purpose of this document is to tell King George III why the colonists had the right to break away.

 

 

This is one of my favorite quotes about July 4th, and it comes from one of our Founding Fathers!  America has listened to his advice!

 

“The Second Day of July 1776 will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. . . . 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.”– John Adams to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776