Katherine Miller

THE POST SIGNAL

Independence Day will forever be remembered in the hearts of every American citizen because it is the day on which we celebrate one thing this country has that many others don’t, freedom. On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, as an estimated 2.5 million people lived among the newly independent nation.

As many are not aware, the Declaration, written by Thomas Jefferson, was actually signed two days before the celebration, on July 2. Historically, the document was read in the yard of the state house on July 8, and its 56th signature was not received until the year 1781.

The first anniversary of the signing of the Declaration was celebrated only in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by the adjournment of Congress, a ceremonial dinner, and with the ringing of the famous Liberty Bell. In the year 1788, after the requisite number of states adopted the constitution, celebrations extended throughout the country.

This year on July 4, 2008, more than 304 million people will celebrate this 232nd anniversary with elaborate fireworks shows, often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the “Star Spangled Banner”, “God Bless America”, as well as many others. Friends and family gather for this event and for other American traditions, such as backyard barbecues.

However you choose to celebrate Independence Day, may many thoughts and prayers turn to those soldiers in the Middle East, as they listen to explosions of a different kind. We must not forget those who have paid the price for the freedoms that we so often take for granted in our daily lives.