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As summer swells in full glory, Americans from coast to coast gear up for a monumental celebration: the Fourth of July. It’s a day marked with grandeur and excitement, from colorful parades to booming fireworks lighting up the night sky. But have you ever paused to ponder why we celebrate Independence Day specifically on July 4th? Let’s dive in and explore the fascinating history behind this iconic date.
The narrative of Independence Day started with thirteen colonies chafing under British rule. It was an era of rising discontent. The colonists, yearning for freedom and equality, yearned to chart their own course as a separate entity. This powerful desire for self-determination eventually led to the historic event known as the American Revolution.
The Continental Congress, a group of representatives from these colonies, played a pivotal role in this revolution. Amid the tumultuous tide of revolt, they debated and revised a statement termed the Declaration of Independence. The chief drafter, Thomas Jefferson, along with other contributors, weaved in the grievances against the British King and their aspirations for a new nation.
But why July 4th? Contrary to popular belief, the vote for independence actually took place on July 2nd, 1776. Yet, the approved and finalized Declaration of Independence…