Let Freedom Ring

On Sunday, we celebrate Independence Day, the day that the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the desire of the North American British colonies for freedom from Great Britain.

Over the years, Independence Day has been celebrated through bell ringing, bonfires, parades, oratory, toasts, festivals, concerts of patriotic music, fireworks displays, and barbecue. You can read about holiday activities through the years in the Independence Day article in Encyclopædia Britannica and read speeches and other celebratory activities for the Fourth of July in MasterFILE Premier, which also includes ideas for decorations and recipes for this year’s festivities.

If you’re interested in the document itself, you can read the Declaration of Independence and the debate that led up to its adoption in Annals of American History. For an interesting comparison, History Reference Center includes an earlier rough draft of the Declaration of Independence. The National Archives and Records Administration has also set up an engaging online exhibit about the writing of this document.

Enjoy the reading, and we hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July holiday!

Image from Encyclopædia Britannica

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