With the signing of the Declaration of Independence back in July 1776, the United States of America was born. And this year, 2008, we celebrate its 232nd birthday.

July 4th is celebrated and demonstrated in many different ways. Stores and backyards everywhere don a red, white and blue color scheme. Some celebrate the 4th as a day off from work, a time for parades, barbecues, the beach and fireworks. It is also a time to give thanks to our forefathers whose courage, perseverance and faith set the framework for what our country is today. It's a day filled with history, patriotic spirit and fun.

So let's begin this celebration. We will step back in time to join Paul Revere on his historic ride, review the document proclaiming us a free and independent nation and then move on to food, fun and fireworks--yes, that's right, even fireworks. So sit back and enjoy America's birthday with me.

As the poem goes, "Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere", we step back in virtual time to relive this historic event. You may also opt to visit The Paul Revere House to learn more about the man himself.

The Revolutionary War

And for those of you who are history buffs and would like to learn more about the war for independence, take a virtual tour.

America's Birth Certificate

At the second Congressional Congress held in Philadelphia on June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee proposed to Congress that they declare independence from England. A few days later (June 11) a committee was appointed to draft this document. This committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston.

Jefferson was chosen to write the document and on June 28, the committee presented it to Congress. It was debated and revised between July 1 - 4.

Congress declared independence on July 2nd and formally adopted the document on July 4th. Its first public reading was held on July 8th.

The Liberty Bell, a chime that changed the world, when the Liberty Bell rang out from the tower of Independence Hall on July 8th, 1776, summoning all to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon. Come check out its history and its home.

The U.S. Flag

We all know the story of how the first flag was created by Betsy Ross, but did you know that the U.S. flag is the third oldest in the world? Did you know that the colors chosen were not randomly picked, but chosen based upon their symbolism? Visit the site below to learn more about our flag's history as well as how to properly display and care for it.

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Credits:

Paul Revere by Don81505@aol.com
Man barbequing obtained from Usenet art archives.
Sun from Clipart Warehouse