A bit of Independence Day trivia…..
Thomas Jefferson was only thirty-three when he drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The Declaration is celebrated today as an American creed. From coast to coast, Americans celebrate by draping it in red, white, and blue bunting and by consuming vast quantities of hot dogs, barbeque, lemonade, and beer. They bake cupcakes topped with red and blue sprinkles. Fireworks light up the night skies.
But it was a somber event at the time. Signing a document of American independence was viewed as an act of treason by many and the courageous men who signed the Declaration realized they could be signing their own death sentences if the British army defeated the Continental Army.
Until today, I had always believed that July 4th marked the anniversary of the day the document was signed but was surprised to learn that July 4th is merely symbolic, a day chosen to celebrate, similar to the way Juneteenth is celebrated each year on June 19.
Most of the people who signed the Declaration actually signed it on Aug. 2, but the last of the signatures were obtained as late as October and November, due to the comings and goings in the Continental Congress.
John Adams argued, and lost, that July 2 should be regarded as the anniversary because that's the day the Continental Congress actually took a vote on whether the colonies should become independent. The wording of the Declaration was debated and revised on July 3rd and the revised edition was printed on July 4. So July 4 was the first day the public was made aware of the document and it subsequently became the day it is celebrated.
Ironically, July 4 also marks the anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's death in 1826.
Try to imagine for a moment what life must have been like, back in the day. And have a joyful and safe Independence Day, America. You can leave that bunting up for awhile…until sometime in October.
(Copyright 2009 Patricia Paris
PatriciaParis@gmail.com
Member: Tennessee Mountain Writers, Int'l Women Writers Association, Tennessee Writers Alliance, Chattanooga Writers Guild.)