On Monday, we celebrate our nation’s Independence Day! On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. With this document, the Founding Fathers declared, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

They took the courageous and unprecedented move to boldly declare that “We, therefore…do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.” With this declaration, America set out on a path to secure freedom of speech, religion, assembly, press, and many more.

For our great country, whether it be in the Revolutionary War or current wars being fought, I am grateful for the soldiers who continue to sacrifice so much of themselves to protect our freedoms. Americans enjoy rights not guaranteed in other countries, and exercise individual autonomy on a daily basis.

I hope you and your families have a fun and safe 4th of July, and celebrate the men and women who have dedicated themselves to protecting the liberties we have been blessed to have.

An interesting piece of American history is that John Adams in a letter to his wife, Abigail, had thought the day of celebration would be the date Congress declared its Independence from Britain. He said “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
 

When using fireworks, state officials urge people to follow these important safety tips:

•Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
•Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
•A responsible adult should closely supervise all fireworks activities.
•Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
•Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
•Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
•Light one item at a time, and then move back quickly.
•Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.
•Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
•Most importantly, if fireworks fizzle and don't go off, douse them with water and do not relight them.

For more information on fireworks safety, visit: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/InjuryPrevention/Fireworks.htm
For information on the legal use of fireworks, visit: http://www.doj.state.wi.us/site/fireworks.asp
For consumer information, visit the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection's website at datcp.wisconsin.gov; via e-mail at datcphotline@wisconsin.gov; or call toll-free at 1-800-422-7128.
 

Source:

ushistory.org Account of a Declaration 1, Declaration of Independence, http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/account Friday, July 01, 2011, Copyright 2011.

http://www1.american.edu/heintze/Adams.htm