Independence Days

For G, who recites the story so well!

In 1776

at the State House in PA

unprecedented events

made Independence Day

 

First, a grand proposal

by Richard Henry Lee

that free and independent states

the colonies should be

 

Not everyone agreed to this

among the delegates

which led to some determined men

roaring titanic debates

 

John Adams, a staunch Patriot

for freedom he did thirst;

his voice thundered above a storm

that hot July the first

 

Pennsylvania’s John Dickinson

was loyal to the crown

but Adams’ steadfast, strident tone

soon wore the lawyer down

 

The next day, Congress voted,

the result of altercation;

July 2, '76 ~

the birthday of our nation

 

What happened on the fourth

that now we celebrate?

The Declaration was approved;

this gesture sealed our fate

 

So before fireworks this year,

remember those sparks that flew,

the days that led to liberty

stitching firm the red, white and blue

 

Author's Note

Lee made his proposal in June; the debate of July 1, the vote on July 2, the approval of the Declaration on the 4th, the public reading on the 8th... So many days and events that we should celebrate! :)

Reviews

[Jack...]

Rita, how true you are. I have visited Independence Hall many times and always feel a sense of pride when I do. Very nice and very patriotic of you my friend.

Happy Independence Day

[Aethereal]

In terms of paperwork we really didn't become an independent nation until we ratified the Treaty of Paris on Jan 14 th, 1784. Actual Independence Day would be on Jan 14 th. If the French and the Dutch had not turned our war into a world war we could have lost. All the British Troops didn't leave the colonies until December of 1784. As we celebrate our Independence Day we need to also thank the French and the Dutch.

[Rita L. Sev]

I agree that we should be thankful to the French and Dutch - and yes, the paperwork took its time. But once these men declared and approved independence, that was the birth, the beginning. John Adams actually declared Independence Day to be on July 2, but because the 4th is on the Declaration, that's the date we remember.

[Sami Khalil]

"So before fireworks this year,

remember those sparks that flew,

the days that led to liberty

stitching firm the red, white and blue"
A splendid write on the moments of great importance that gave birth to this country and that changed the world literaly . It shows the power of collective decisions and the power of freedom. Thank you for sharing. Bravo

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Sami! Yes, it really was those collective decisions, and so many men that we often forget. Happy Independence Week! ;)

[Sami Khalil]

To you too...You are welcome...:)