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America Celebrates 241 Years

pixabay.com

241 years ago today, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence while meeting in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Statehouse, which is now known as Independence Hall. Congress declared the American colonies free and independent states. One interesting note is John Hancock signed the document on July 4 while the rest of Congress signed it on August 2, 1776. 56 people signed the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote the majority of it.

Two original signers, and later presidents, Jefferson and John Adams, would die within hours of each other on July 4, 1826, fifty years to the day of the original signing. July 4 was officially declared a holiday in 1870, almost one hundred years after the Declaration of Independence was written.

For us, the day is marked with parades, food, music, and recreation.

For the original signers, failure of independence likely would have meant their lives and fortunes. We have a list of activities on our community calendar.

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