Appreciate Independece Day for More Than the Barbecuing

Independence Day has since faded into the minds of Americans as a barbecue and picnic day of fireworks, however over 200 years ago it was one of the most important dates in the history of this country. That understated event will continue to impact Americans for as long as this country stands; however, why that is true is usually over-complicated and forgotten to the average American.

231 years ago on July 4^th 1776, America adopted the Declaration of Independence, which effectively severed the new, 13-colony Americans from the control of the British. The Declaration was written by a group of 5 people led by Thomas Jefferson, when he was 33 years of age. Also noted to have helped in the document's draft were Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. This Declaration, not to be confused with the Constitution or Articles of Confederation, did not provide Americans with a structure of government, but listed three important statements of the people: the first section declared the rights of men (according to the new Americans, in opposed to England) and the importance and relevancy of revolution against a corrupt government. The second section provided a list of complaints compiled to the British King, George the III. Lastly, the final part offered a formal decree of severance from Britain, renouncing any ties and affiliations from the old government they rejected.

Originally, the first Independence Day was celebrated on July 8^th, 1776, four days after the Declaration was adopted, and the holiday itself was not recognized officially until 1941. Fireworks, bands playing, singing, and the reciting of the Declaration were common ways of celebrating the 4^th.