July 4 Always a Good Timefor a History Refresher

Using fireworks to help celebrate Fourth of July, or Independence Day, actually started on the original holiday in 1776. And many of us, as American citizens, still use fanfare like this to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.

As we gear up for the holiday and amidst our barbecues and fun, you may consider it a good time to give our children an American history lesson. And if you’re like me and like to reread about this special anniversary for our great country, you may uncover some interesting facts you didn’t know before or had forgotten.

As an example, I just discovered a remarkable coincidence. Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as United States presidents, died on the same day: July 4, 1826. Just five years later, James Monroe died on July 4, 1831, becoming the third president to die on this federal holiday.

Most importantly, let’s reflect on and share with our children the overall importance of this day in history as well as our appreciation for freedom. Independence Day signifies the first time a nation was formed on ideas rather than by ethnicity or race.

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls.  ~Robert J. McCracken

Hope you have a wonderful holiday.