Happy Independence Day, USA!

Platapus · 07-02-23, 05:18 AM

Happy Independence Day

Today 2 July, in 1776, the Continental Congress voted and approved the Lee Resolution.

"Resolved, 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.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation."

It was passed 12-0 with one abstaining. New York finally voted in favour on 9 July 1776.

The evening of 2 July 1776, the Pennsylvania Evening Post published the statement: "This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States."

John Adams, in writing to his wife Abigail on 3 July 1776.

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch 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 forever more."

The Declaration of Independence was not what declared our independence (even back then congress had problems entitling stuff). It was the Lee Resolution. The Declaration of Independence was a document designed to rally support from the citizens on the decision Congress made on 2 July 1776.

What many people don't realize is that the intended audience of the Declaration of Independence was the American people.

So happy Independence Day! Let's cock a good natured snook to our British friends and allies.

Tango589 · 07-02-23, 05:27 AM

Happy "We got shot of the British!" Day, and remember to keep all of your fingers!

Jimbuna · 07-02-23, 05:34 AM

mapuc · 07-02-23, 08:33 AM

HAPPY Independence day to my American friends.

(Can't remember if I have asked this question before)

Have it always been 4th of July where the official Independence day is celebrated ?
Or
How come it was changed from 2nd of July to 4th of July?(if there has been any changes-see also first question)

Markus

Platapus · 07-02-23, 09:47 AM

The 4th is when the final draft of the Declaration of Independence was approved, but not signed. Since the DOI is one of our core documents as a nation, the approval of this document was recognized as "independence day"

Only curmudgeons like me insist on the 2nd of July.

It should be noted that the public was not made aware of the 2 July vote as it was held in a closed session of congress. To most of the people, the first they heard of any official declaration was based on reading the various copies of the DOI which bore the date of 4 July.

The fourth of July did not become a federal holiday (unpaid) until 1870
Massachusetts was the first state to recognize it as a state holiday in 1781

Fun fact: The Philippines also celebrates July 4 as its Republic Day (it was originally called Independence Day) to commemorate4 July 1946 when it ceased to be a US Territory.

August · 07-02-23, 09:58 AM

em2nought · 07-02-23, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Oh come on, we saved your @$$e$ in two world wars.

We're even.

Jeff-Groves · 07-02-23, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by em2nought

Oh come on, we saved your @$$e$ in two world wars.

We're even.

Jim's still pissed about all the Tea We trashed.

mapuc · 07-02-23, 01:33 PM

Speculation:

How would USA have developed of they were a part of the British Empire until, let say after WWII ?

Markus

em2nought · 07-02-23, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff-Groves

Jim's still pissed about all the Tea We trashed.

I do feel a bit guilty, like I'm betraying the cause, when I order my PG Tips off Amazon. Still must have my British Tea, but on ice.

Jimbuna · 07-03-23, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff-Groves

Jim's still pissed about all the Tea We trashed.

In all honesty Jeff I haven't touched a drop in over thirty years and that includes coffee as well

07-02-23, 05:18 AM	#1
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Happy Independence Day, USA! Happy Independence Day Today 2 July, in 1776, the Continental Congress voted and approved the Lee Resolution. "Resolved, 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. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation." It was passed 12-0 with one abstaining. New York finally voted in favour on 9 July 1776. The evening of 2 July 1776, the Pennsylvania Evening Post published the statement: "This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States." John Adams, in writing to his wife Abigail on 3 July 1776. "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch 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 forever more." The Declaration of Independence was not what declared our independence (even back then congress had problems entitling stuff). It was the Lee Resolution. The Declaration of Independence was a document designed to rally support from the citizens on the decision Congress made on 2 July 1776. What many people don't realize is that the intended audience of the Declaration of Independence was the American people. So happy Independence Day! Let's cock a good natured snook to our British friends and allies. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

07-02-23, 05:27 AM	#2
Tango589 Still crazy as ever! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: A little south of sanity Posts: 3,375 Downloads: 180 Uploads: 1	Happy "We got shot of the British!" Day, and remember to keep all of your fingers! __________________ Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way...

07-02-23, 05:34 AM	#3
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,450 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	__________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

07-02-23, 08:33 AM	#4
mapuc CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Denmark Posts: 20,535 Downloads: 37 Uploads: 0	HAPPY Independence day to my American friends. (Can't remember if I have asked this question before) Have it always been 4th of July where the official Independence day is celebrated ? Or How come it was changed from 2nd of July to 4th of July?(if there has been any changes-see also first question) Markus __________________ My little lovely female cat

07-02-23, 09:47 AM	#5
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	The 4th is when the final draft of the Declaration of Independence was approved, but not signed. Since the DOI is one of our core documents as a nation, the approval of this document was recognized as "independence day" Only curmudgeons like me insist on the 2nd of July. It should be noted that the public was not made aware of the 2 July vote as it was held in a closed session of congress. To most of the people, the first they heard of any official declaration was based on reading the various copies of the DOI which bore the date of 4 July. The fourth of July did not become a federal holiday (unpaid) until 1870 Massachusetts was the first state to recognize it as a state holiday in 1781 Fun fact: The Philippines also celebrates July 4 as its Republic Day (it was originally called Independence Day) to commemorate4 July 1946 when it ceased to be a US Territory. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

07-02-23, 09:58 AM	#6
August Wayfaring Stranger Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 23,197 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	__________________ Flanked by life and the funeral pyre. Putting on a show for you to see.

07-02-23, 01:33 PM	#9
mapuc CINC Pacific Fleet Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Denmark Posts: 20,535 Downloads: 37 Uploads: 0	Speculation: How would USA have developed of they were a part of the British Empire until, let say after WWII ? Markus __________________ My little lovely female cat