Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day

On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail to tell her how important the events of the previous day had been. He opined that:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations… 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 for evermore.

Yes, that reads July 2. The Second Continental Congress declared the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain on July 2, 1776 by passing Lee’s Resolution.

So what happened on July 4, 1776? That’s the day the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence—a greatly expanded version of the resolution. It was the verbal declaration that took place on July 2 that was thought to be the more memorable occasion at the time, rather than the signing of the document. In fact, members of congress who weren’t present on July 4 were still stopping in to sign the document months later.

What Do You Know About America?

Achieving U.S. citizenship can be life changing, but it is not easy. Those who aspire to become American citizens must pass a 100-question naturalization test and answer six of 10 questions correctly during their naturalization interviews. Test your knowledge on these four simple sample questions:

1. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
   1. President
   2. Speaker of the House
   3. Chief Justice
   4. Majority Whip

2. How many U.S. senators are there?
   1. 50
   2. 100
   3. 200
   4. 435

3. How many amendments does the Constitution have?
   1. 7
   2. 12
   3. 27
   4. 46

4. Which of the following is a right in the Declaration of Independence?
   1. Life
   2. Liberty
   3. Pursuit of happiness
   4. All of the above

We hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July!

Think About it!

“The nation is divided, half patriots and half traitors, and no man (or woman) can tell which from which.”

–Mark Twain

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