Happy 4th of July!

It’s the 4th of July again. Just another great day for kicking off the summer season with fireworks, Bar-Be-Ques, picnics at the parks or beaches, or just hanging out with family and friends. Oh, and it’s also the day we celebrate the official birth of our nation.

We celebrate the official start of our country on this date in July 1776 with the signing of the “Declaration of Independence.” In reality, our fledgling Congress voted to approve it on July 2. It was not actually ratified and signed by most members until August 2. John Adams declared:

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha 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 forevermore.“

The newly founded Congress later declared July 4th as our National Day of Independence though a series of errors and confusion. Sound familiar?

Whatever. Today is the day we officially mark the start of running England out of this continent and took over the reins of self-governance. Just look at how well we’ve done since.

So to everyone reading this post and everyone that’s not; I hope y’all have a great day. Use plenty of suntan lotion, drink lots of water between beers, and don’t worry about the carcinogenic effects of charcoal-cooked meats. Really.