Yes, it is only July 2nd, but did you know that this was actually the day that the Second Continental Congress declared our Independence from Britain? On July 2, 1776, Richard Henry Lee drafted the
Lee Resolution, which was supported by 12 of the 13 original colonies. Thomas Jefferson then expanded the Lee Resolution and drafted it into the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the same Congress on July 4, 1776. Now I’m not trying to blow any holes in the fact that we celebrate our country’s Independence on July 4th each year, but I found it very interesting to learn the significance of July 2nd. In fact, John Adams, in a letter to his wife Abigail, wrote of the Lee Resolution:
”The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. 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 shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
Given the fact that today, July 2nd, serves as such a key date in our country’s history, I suggest then that we begin the “pomp and parade” and celebration early, and just let it all hang out this entire week!
Here are some other interesting tidbits you can share with others as you celebrate this year:
- John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the same day, which was ironically, July 4, 1826.
- In a recent
PEW Research Center Study, 90% of Americans surveyed answered “yes” to the statement “I consider myself very patriotic”.
- Unfortunately, only 62% of those same people display the American flag in some manner at home, in the office or on their car.
- The word picnic was originated by the French and was originally meant to mean potluck.
- There are certain types of ants that actively go out and search for food. Once they find your picnic and a source of food, they immediately head back to their nest. Along the way, the drop secretions on the ground marking their trail so all their little buddies can follow it back to the food source. Pretty gross, hey?
- Boiling ribs before you grill them is the dumbest thing you could ever do. When boiling meat in water, a certain amount of osmosis takes place and all the meat flavor is extracted from the meat itself and replaced with water. Yuck. Any good rib cook knows the key to tender ribs is slow cooking. If you’re a “boiler” please e-mail me and I’ll send you my own personal rib recipe, which will get you out of that terrible habit.
- The speculation that Rosie O’Donnell will be replacing Bob Barker as host of The Price is Right is now over. She WILL NOT be the new host of America’s favorite game show.
Okay, that last tidbit had nothing to do with the 4th of July, but being a huge Price is Right fan, it was a huge relief for me and I just had to share it.
Have a safe and festive Independence Day week everyone!
My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson
