Happy Independence Day folks.

By Jim Barton CAPT, USN (Ret)

Am I early with these greetings? Nope.

Maybe we need to have a little history lesson. Today, break out the grills, start launching your fireworks, start the parades and celebrate with friends and family.

You see, In 1775, at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, a small number of colonists stated their desire to separate from Great Britain. At the time, those who were in favor of splitting from King George III’s monarchy were considered radical in their beliefs. However, by the middle of 1776, many more colonists began to teeter on the side of separation against Great Britain’s military suppression.

On June 7th, 1776, the members of the Continental Congress met at what is now called Independence Hall in Philadelphia, to discuss a proposal calling for the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. The motion to split, introduced by Virginia delegate, Richard Henry Lee, sparked heated debate among the Congress members, and the vote was adjourned.

Prior to dismissing for recess on the postponed resolution, the Congress appointed five men-Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York, John Adams of Massachusetts, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, and Roger Sherman of Connecticut-to formulate a statement justifying the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. The document, primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, would become what we know as the Declaration of Independence.

On July 1st, the Continental Congress came together to vote on the resolution. New York had to abstain from the vote due to the fact that the state assembly hadn’t yet given their approval. However, New York’s abstained status was not considered an opposition.

On the following day, July 2nd, 1776, the resolution was passed, marking that day as the day that America declared its independence from the monarchy. It would take eight years of war to achieve true independence from Great Britain. So why the 4th? Well the document needed a little tinkering and the those changes were added over the next two days marking July 4th as the day they were incorporated.

So fly your flags today (Independence Day) and keep them flying through the 4th, the day we celebrate.

God Bless America! Our flag is proudly waving out front this morning.