1776, the year our country claimed its Independence and often known as the birth of America, is one of the most historic moments in American history. The founding settlers traveled thousands of miles to a foreign country to face harsh conditions just to be free from the grasp of Great Britain. Colonists who desired complete separation from Great Britain were initially considered radicals. However, as time passed, their views strengthened, and the once radical belief in complete separation became the norm for the colonist. Laws such as the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, and the infamous Boston Tea Party created an unavoidable conflict between the colonist and Britain. The saying “Taxation without representation” became a battle cry, and in 1775, the Battle of Lexington and Concord proved to be the final straw that led to the start of America’s war for Independence.
The Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775-1783, encountered many battles, such as Bunker Hill, Quebec, Charleston, and Trenton, that proved the colonist would fight to the bitter end, which eventually came in the battle of Yorktown. The fight for Independence brought about significant casualties, estimated 6,800 colonial troops killed and about 6,100 wounded. Appointed on a select committee of five, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston led the way in drafting the Declaration of Independence. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress successfully voted in favor of Independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The heroic Colonial troops, known as minutemen, fought against unbelievably odds to gain American Independence. The belief that the colonist would finally have sovereignty is what they long awaited. The Revolutionary War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris almost two years later. This momentum occasion which recognized American Independence led to the creation of our constitution.
Today we recognize Independence Day as a Federal Holiday. Americans nationwide commemorate this day with fireworks, parades, town festivals, and block parties. The colors red, white, and blue, which stand for valor, purity, perseverance, and justice, remind us of the sacrifice required to live in the land of freedom.
Article written by Darrell English (R3)
Hydrick Thomas, President | Mac Johnson, Council Executive Vice President | Johnny Jones, Council Secretary-Treasurer | Thomas Schoregge, Region 1 V.P. | John Hubert, Region 2 V.P. | Janis Casey, Region 3 V.P. | Becky Mancha, Region 4 V.P. | Greg Biel, Region 5 V.P. | Bobby Orozco Jr., Region 6 V.P. | Joe Shuker, Region 7 V.P. | Victor Payes Martinez, Fair Practices Coordinator