Happy Independence Day

In 1776, American colonists continued to grow less tolerant of imposed taxes and the oppressive rule of King George III of England. The Second Continental Congress formed a committee, led by Thomas Jefferson, that was given the task of drafting a document to officially break ties with the British government.

Jefferson's committee finalized its work and after a few days of debate and some revisions, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted on July 4, 1776 (although the signing of the Declaration of Independence wasn't completed until later that year).

In the Declaration of Independence, our founders wrote one of the most treasured phrases in American history--"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."*

The Revolutionary War officially ended on September 3, 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, but Americans have used July 4th each year to celebrate our freedom and independence from British rule. In the summer of 1941, just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Independence Day officially became a federal holiday.

Although many people tend to refer to this holiday as the 4th of July, I think it is important to remember to call this holiday what it really is--Independence Day.

Remember all that gave so that we can be free.

From our family to yours, Happy Independence Day!

Tom & KC


*Note: To read a full transcript of the Declaration of Independence, visit the National Archives' website at: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html