I want to wish our great country a very Happy Birthday!!! On this day in 1776, our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence, which declared America separate and independent from England.
As Americans we celebrate the day in many ways - with fireworks displays, cook-outs and picnics, parades and memorial ceremonies. One of the largest displays is the National Independence Day Parade held in our nation's capitol, Washington, DC.
Our flag, the tri-colored red, white and blue, has gone through many incarnations as our country has grown since 1776. The first flag consisted of 13 stripes alternating red and white with a union of 13 white stars in a field of blue.  This honored the 13 original colonies which were the United States of America at the time. Betsy Ross was the creator of the first flag which still boasts the 13 red and white stripes, but the field of blue now contains 50 white stars. No one star is meant to signify one particular state.
Many think the colors of our flag stand for the blood shed to protect it, valor and purity. Not quite!! According to the State Department ~
RED ~ is for hardiness and courage. WHITE ~ is for purity and innocence. BLUE ~ stands for vigilance, perseverance and justice.  Our forefathers drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence, which explained the reasons for the separation from England and the formation of a separate government. This document, along with the Constitution, form the basis from which our government is run.
 The Liberty Bell is one of the symbols of our history of freedom and liberty. You can find the bell at the Liberty Pavilion in Philadelphia - and view the famous crack, which happened the first time the bell was rung. The crack was repaired, but cracked a second time when it was rung again! It's not been rung since 1846. Written on the bell are the following words, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof
 The bald eagle was adopted as our national bird in 1787.  The bird itself is on the endangered list, but is plentiful on our currency and other items. Often the eagle carries an olive branch with one foot and a sheaf of arrows with the other. On a coat of arms the eagle has a scroll which says 'E Pluribus Unum' in its beak. The eagle is also found on coins. However the eagle nearly didn't become our national bird. Benjamin Franklin was lobbying to have it be the turkey!
One or the 'newer' symbols of America is the Statue of Liberty. She adorns the entrance to New York Harbor on Liberty Island and is the first sight to be seen by visitors coming here by boat. Lady Liberty was given to the United States as a symbol of friendship and of the liberty enjoyed by all citizens by France.
Made of copper, the statue recently underwent a makeover to restore her to her glory. She holds a torch in the air in one hand and the Declaration of Independence in the other. At her feet, a broken shackle to represent the overthrow of tyranny. |
Take the American History Trivia Quiz
What the Presidents were doing on the 4th of July!
Coloring Pages 4 Kids from Kids Domain
Send a card from 123greetings.com
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NEVER  FORGET |
Many men and women have fought through the centuries to preserve the freedoms that are, in many ways, unique to this country. For those brave men and women, living and past, we thank you for your service and honor you. Please visit my In Their Honor and Enduring Freedeom pages.
Special thanks: Granny J's Gifs Galore 
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