Independence Day
Michelle Barrier
Burke County
On July 2nd, 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies, meeting in Philadelphia for the Continental Congress, voted to declare their independence from Great Britain. And, two days later, on July 4th, 1776, these representatives signed the Declaration of Independence, thus proclaiming to the world that they would no longer be under the rule of the English King. This was a huge step forward for this young, growing country and our founding fathers. They understood that unless they chose to make a change, they would continue to be governed by a king that did not have their best interests at heart.
Just like these men, we as Christians have a choice to make. Will we continue to live in the world and of the world or will we give ourselves to the Savior and live a life of freedom from the bondage of sin and with the hope of a greater future? The Bible says in Romans 6:22, “but now that you have been set free from sin…the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life”. Our personal Independence Day is easy to attain. All we must do is acknowledge that we are sinners, believe in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Freedom is within our grasp – declare your independence today and start living a life worthy of celebration!
Lynn – please insert a picture of the signing of the Declaration here.
To learn more about the history of the USA’s Independence Day, complete this webquest! Answers can be found on page ___ of this edition.
4th of July Webquest
Complete the answers to these questions using the website below.
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
- What happened on July 2nd to make some people think that we should celebrate on that day?
- When was the Liberty Bell rung? Why was it rung on this day?
- Which three presidents and founding fathers died on July 4th?
- What was a key feature of the earliest independence day celebrations? Why did this event stop happening?
- When were fireworks authorized for the celebration of July 4th?
- Where can you find the largest fireworks display on the 4th of July?
- True or False – When the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, not all colonists desired independence from Great Britain.
- Who introduced the motion calling for independence?
- Who wrote the majority of the Declaration of Independence?
- _______________ became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday.
4th of July Webquest – ANSWERS from page ___
- Some people think that we should celebrate on July 2nd because that was the day that the delegates actually voted on the Declaration of Independence.
- The Liberty Bell was rung on July 8th, 1776. It was rung on this day to honor the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
- John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe, all presidents and founding fathers, died on July 4th.
- Artillery salutes were a key feature of the earliest independence day celebrations. This event stopped happening as cannons fell out of use in the late 19th century.
- On July 4th, 1777, Congress authorized fireworks for 4th of July celebrations.
- The largest firework display on the 4th of July can be found in New York City.
- True – when the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, not all colonists desired independence.
- The Virginia delegate, Richard Henry Lee, introduced the motion calling for independence.
- Thomas Jefferson wrote the majority of the Declaration of Independence.
- Massachusetts became the first state to make July 4th an official state holiday.
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Michelle is a 4th grade teacher in Caldwell County. She is a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Morganton, NC.
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