The Story of Independence Day
and America's Birthday |
Information from:
http://www.holidays.net/independence/story.htmfollow this link for many more interesting facts!
In April 1775 as the King's troops advanced on Concord Massachusetts Paul Revere would sound the alarm that "The British are coming, the British are coming" as he rode his horse through the late night streets. The battle of Concord and its "shot heard round the world" would mark the unofficial beginning of the colonies war for Independence.
The following May the colonies again sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. For almost a year the congress tried to work out its differences with England, again without formally declaring war.
By June 1776 their efforts had become hopeless and a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the congress on June 28. After various changes a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration, 2 - Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No, Delaware undecided and New York abstained.
To make it official John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock signed his name "with a great flourish" so "King George can read that without spectacles!."
The following day copies of the Declaration were distributed. The first newspaper to print the Declaration was the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776. On July 8th the Declaration had its first public reading in Philadelphia's Independence Square. Twice that day the Declaration was read to cheering crowds and pealing church bells. Even the bell in Independence Hall was rung. The "Province Bell" would later be renamed "Liberty Bell" after its inscription -
Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof
And although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence. The first Independence Day celebration took place the following year - July 4 1777. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America's birthday. And although fireworks have been banned in most places because of their danger, most towns and cities usually have big firework displays for all to see and enjoy.
Information from:
http://www.holidays.net/independence/story.htm
follow this link for many more interesting facts!
A few chocolate covered strawberries :-) No pictures of the making or the 'Frosted Grapes'.
A few chocolate covered strawberries :-) No pictures of the making or the 'Frosted Grapes'.
Working hard to get it ready by 3:30 on Friday!
Saturday morning 8:30 a.m. - get it done and get dressed for church by 10 a.m.!!!
Lion took plenty of pictures for me to show off the cake :-)
The fruit needs to be added!
My mom and Dan came along to help also...
...and I needed all the help on the top layer!
Adding the fruit - chocolate covered strawberries on the Butter Vanilla Layers, and frosted grapes on the chocolate fudge layers, mmmmhhhh!
Yes, a close up of the grapes!
And, voila, here it is...will it last for the reception?
At the Reception
Cutting the Cake
So, that was the first three days with people at my house. And where do they sleep? Everywhere!
