HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY !!

PALEOLITICO says on Jul 4, 2008, 04:29:

Adelante...

"Si tuvieras la fe del tamaño de una semilla de mostaza y le dijeras a esa montaña - Muévete - la montaña se movería"

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 04:43:

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Congress approved the wording of the Declaration on July 4 and then sent it to the printer. Whether John Hancock, as the elected President of the Second Continental Congress, or anyone else signed the document that day is unknown, because that document has been lost — presumably destroyed in the printing process.[1] Hancock's name and that of a witness do appear on the typeset broadside that was published within a few days. On August 2 in the following month, an engrossed document in script form[2] was signed by Hancock and other delegates.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States, but is often also viewed as simply a summer festival, apart from its patriotic overtones.

In 1776, John Adams declared, "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 shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore." In 1777, thirteen guns were fired, once at morning and again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white, and blue bunting.
In 1778, General George Washington marked July 4 with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute. Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
In 1779, July 4 fell on a Sunday. The holiday was celebrated on Monday, July 5.
In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration.
In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina, held the first celebration of July 4 in the country with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled "The Psalm of Joy".
In 1791 was the first recorded use of the name "Independence Day".
In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees
In 1941, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday. The residents of Vicksburg, Mississippi, celebrated Independence Day for the first time since July 4, 1863, when the Siege of Vicksburg ended with a Union victory during the American Civil War.

Customs

Celebration with fireworks over Miami, Florida, USA on American Independence Day. Bank of America Tower is also lit with the red, white and blue color scheme.Independence Day, the only holiday that celebrates the United States, is a national holiday marked by patriotic displays. Similar to other summer-themed events, Independence Day celebrations often take place outdoors. Independence Day is a federal holiday, so all non-essential federal institutions (like the postal service and federal courts) are closed on that day. Many politicians make it a point on this day to appear at a public event to praise the nation's heritage, laws, history, society, and people.

Families often celebrate Independence Day with a picnic or barbecue, and take advantage of the day off and in some years, long weekend to gather with relatives. Decorations (e.g., streamers, balloons, and clothing) are generally colored red, white, and blue, the colors of the American flag. Parades often are in the morning, while fireworks displays occur in the evening at such places as parks, fairgrounds, or town squares.

Independence Day fireworks are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the national anthem ("The Star-Spangled Banner"), "God Bless America", "America the Beautiful", "My Country, 'Tis of Thee", "This Land Is Your Land", "Stars and Stripes Forever", and, regionally, "Yankee Doodle" in northeastern states and "Dixie" in southern states. Some of the lyrics recall images of the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812.

Firework shows are held in many states, and many fireworks are sold for personal use or as an alternative to a public show. Safety concerns have led some states to ban fireworks or limit the sizes and types allowed. Illicit traffic transfers many fireworks from less restrictive states.

Major displays are held in New York on the East River, in Chicago on Lake Michigan, Boston on the Charles River, in St. Louis on the Mississippi River, and on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. During the annual Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario host one of the world's largest fireworks displays, over the Detroit River, to celebrate both American Independence Day and Canada Day.

While the official observance always falls on July 4th, participation levels may vary dependent upon which day of the week the 4th falls. If the holiday falls in the middle of the week, some fireworks displays and celebrations may take place during the weekend for convenience, again, varying by region.

Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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Brians says on Jul 4, 2008, 05:33:

What people always assume is that it is the day which we gained our independence. However it was really only a year or two into the conflict. The taxes that Britain levied were the main reason for the push and they had started about 10 years earlier (Boston Tea Party etc.). The revolution I guess could be summed up as starting when fighting broke out which was 1775. Even though 20%-30% of the population was still loyal to Britain. The turning point in the David versus Goliath war was when France joined us a few years after the Declaration was signed in 1776. That also aligned us with Spain and basically evened up the war. The war was actually won with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. The Constitution signing is what I consider the real date of our new country and still the most important document EVER created. Copied to this day by other countries the "Living and Breathing Document" is really the most innovative thing ever written and which without it would have doomed us to having never really being united as states.

I live in Philadelphia and I guess get my share of American history. Spend a lot of time reading the Constitution and going to museums with my wife. She seems to like it but who knows:)

Although we have our share of problems in the USA I still believe we are the greatest country in the world. The drafting of the Constitution still amazes me in that these young men where able to create this document. If anyone is ever in Philadelphia please let me take you to the Constitution Center as I believe it is the greatest museum for understanding how this country is governed to this day. Protection of individual rights is the core of the country and even as times change the balance of Presidency, Supreme Court and Congress (even the selection of members to each branch) is an amazing balance that has never been repeated in the world.

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 05:36:

Here, here, Brians, Happy 4th
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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sanandressi says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:22:

The British were taxing the colonies to help pay for Britain's wars. The colonies had no representation in England's government. Hence, No taxation without representation.

As the colonists got more rebelous and Britain sent troops to the colonies....things escaleted to where war broke out. The colonists got tired of being pushed around. The right to bear arms came out of this because the Enlish troops were confiscating guns. The colonists said no more KING dictators.

The Latin countries basically got tired of Spain telling them what to do although the Latin revolutions were very different as to why they rebelled.

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PALEOLITICO says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:29:

Gracias huskie, Brians y sanandres.

"Si tuvieras la fe del tamaño de una semilla de mostaza y le dijeras a esa montaña - Muévete - la montaña se movería"

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tejasmarcos says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:33:

it is the day i allow my people to get drunk, play in the water and pop firecrackers....

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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PALEOLITICO says on Jul 4, 2008, 07:00:

Y FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS AL PRESIDENTE URIBE !!!!!

"Si tuvieras la fe del tamaño de una semilla de mostaza y le dijeras a esa montaña - Muévete - la montaña se movería"

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webmanco says on Jul 4, 2008, 08:31:

So it was a birthday present from Farc to Uribe? just joking


Happy 4th of July

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 10:28:

BBQ, Strawberry Shortcake (with lots of whipped cream), party, fireworks!!

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 11:12:

Which North Americans are we talking about? The people of Mexico? Canada? or the US?

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 13:15:

Good question! I think it is for Americano/a. But what do i know, jeje

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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PALEOLITICO says on Jul 4, 2008, 13:18:

august: Pues creo que los únicos que celebran la independencia de USA son los Estadounidenses, o los mexicanos y los canadienses lo hacen también???

"Si tuvieras la fe del tamaño de una semilla de mostaza y le dijeras a esa montaña - Muévete - la montaña se movería"

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 13:20:

BTW - Paleo - good English! Much better than my Spanish! jaja...Keep up the good work and practice ;)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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durito says on Jul 4, 2008, 13:23:

Solo los estadounidenses.

y solo me di cuenta de que hoy es el 4 de julio cuando lei aca. probable no haré nada para celebrar.

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 13:54:

OK folks, Mexico celebrates their independence in September and Canada has not yet declared their independence, as far as I know. My intention was more to highlight the fact that Colombians too often inaccurately use "The USA" and "North America" interchangeably. North America includes Canada, the USA and Mexico - three different countries with three different colonial histories. Therefore, referring to "North American independence day" is just as nonsensical as referring to "South American independence day." I try to correct this point not to be annoying but just to keep Colombians from looking silly to "North Americans."

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tejasmarcos says on Jul 4, 2008, 16:00:

mexico is latin america, cierto?

and canada, LOL! canada does not count! LOL!

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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PALEOLITICO says on Jul 4, 2008, 16:05:

Gracias Cat :)

Lo que tejas acaba de decir es una clara muestra de que los gringos creen que están solos en norteamerica :) Por eso ellos se creen los únicos dueños del nombre "norteamericanos" :) :)

"Si tuvieras la fe del tamaño de una semilla de mostaza y le dijeras a esa montaña - Muévete - la montaña se movería"

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billyb says on Jul 4, 2008, 16:11:

"august: Pues creo que los únicos que celebran la independencia de USA son los Estadounidenses, o los mexicanos y los canadienses lo hacen también???'

Paleo, ellos tambien celebraran el 4th of july cuando sean annexados come el 51st y 52nd estados de la union ;))

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 16:39:

Mexico celebrates their Independance Day in Septembre? So wot is Cinco De Mayo all about? OMG I am very misinformed! Ooops!

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:30:

Tejasmarcos, North America is a continent. It includes Canada, the US and Mexico. NAFTA?

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webmanco says on Jul 4, 2008, 20:12:

Elmo celebrates the fourth of July, the 20th of July, hell Elmo celebrate all year, he still don´t know where he is from.

Paleo it is not about time for you to start wearing the Colombian flag?

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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papiChulo says on Jul 4, 2008, 21:42:

I want to give a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all yanks on this site and especially 2 yanks fr Montana that belived in me 25yrs ago when nobody else would... you changed my future for the better.

My hopes and wishes are for a better USA!!!

you'll never go before your time

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 21:46:

Good words papiChulo; :)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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papiChulo says on Jul 4, 2008, 21:52:

thank you catgirl... I'm 1/2 in the bag tonight so those words are right from my heart.

you'll never go before your time

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august says on Jul 7, 2008, 07:30:

Definitely papiChulo, cheers to a better USA

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