As we all are aware, the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies occurred on July 4, 1776 - 232 years ago.
Fifty-six brave men, representing 13 colonies, affixed their signatures to the Declaration, fully believing that they may have signed their own death warrant. In order to make it a unanimously supported document, the four men, representing the colony of New York, abstained.
n took the stand for fair treatment by England, their ruling nation and George III, their King. They rebelled against England's imposition of repressive and excessive taxes. And they did this in a time when nations and colonies lived under a monarchy. Even King George questioned how the United States of America could survive without the monarchical rule.

By Bruce Walker The Fourth of July is Independence Day in America. But what is Independence Day? Well, it is firecrackers and hot dogs.

John Adams got it right when he wrote to his wife Abigail that Independence Day "ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever." He just got the date wrong -- July 2.
As Adams got right, the Continental Congress did indeed declare American independence on July 2, 1776, with nine colonies voting aye. Two days later, after the declaration had been revised, all 12 colonies represented agreed; New York joined after 15 days, according to historian David Waldstreicher.
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By MARC LEEPSON By Peter de Bolla In early July 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, about a momentous day during the proceedings of the Second

June 7 -- Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, receives Richard Henry Lee's resolution urging Congress to declare independence. June 11 -- Thomas Jefferson,

It's hard to believe that the 4th of July is already upon us. A day when many of us will gather with family and/or friends to celebrate our freedom.