07/04/2024
Today Americans celebrate Independence Day, the date on which The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America was adopted by the 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress, 248 years ago.
If you're feeling especially patriotic today, read the text of the declaration here: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript. It will take about 10 minutes, even looking up some of the vocabulary. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the declaration explains to the world the reasons why the colonies were breaking away from British rule, listing 27 grievances against King George III.
"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, 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; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
Proud to be an American!