She turns 242 years old this year.
Her birthday, July 4, 1776, is the day Great Britain’s 13 American colonies declared their independence as the United States of America, and it commemorates their adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
By signing the Declaration of Independence, the 13 American colonies became independent sovereign states, no longer under British rule.
Relishing the historical moment, John Adams, then a member of the Continental Congress, penned a letter to his wife, Abigail.
He wrote: “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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more,” according to the Massachusetts Historical Society.
One year later, the tradition of patriotic celebration on July Fourth was born, in Philadelphia, even though Congress was occupied with the American Revolutionary War.
Americans celebrate across the nation with parades, picnics and fireworks. Each year celebrations become bigger, evolving but still holding true to tradition.
As we celebrate Independence Day, here are a few interesting facts about our Declaration of Independence:
- Thomas Jefferson wrote the original draft during 17 days in June 1776.
- Unofficially, the United States’ Independence Day is July 2, 1776.
- Officially, the Second Continental Congress approved and adopted it July 4, 1776.
- The document didn’t become official until Aug. 2, 1776, when most of the congressional delegates finally signed it.
- John Hancock was the first to sign the document, and his is the largest, most flamboyant signature.
- Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died July 4, 1826, 50 years after signing the Declaration of Independence.
- There were 56 signers representing 13 colonies: 14 from the New England Colonies; 21 from the Middle Colonies and 21 from the Southern Colonies.
- The signers ranged from 26 to 70 years old, but most were in their 30s and 40s.
Happy Independence Day, America!