July 2, 1776's Significance: A Wry Reflection by historian John Ferling

[Guest guest]

Carey Winfrey, Editor, SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE, in the July 2004 issue, wrote:

We're also pleased to have found historian John Ferling, Professor Emeritus of History at the State University of West Georgia.

In "The Rocky Road to Revolution," Ferling reminds us of the contentious debates of 1776 that finally led the Second Continental Congress to declare independence from England. The historic vote was taken on that fateful July 2, 1776.

"That's right," says Ferling. "July 2nd! I like to grill outside or picnic on July 2nd. I feel that I am remembering the proper day, and it also enables me to celebrate twice — on the real Independence Day and two days later on the contrived holiday."

So how did July 4 come to be the official holiday?

Pure accident. In 1777, no one in Congress, busy prosecuting a war, gave much thought to the July 2 anniversary until it was at hand. "Given such short notice, it was obvious that not much of a celebration was possible," says Ferling. Only by buying 48 hours, could they do the thing justice. "As the sky darkened on July 4, 1777, and a band composed of Hessian prisoners of war provided music," Ferling goes on, "13 rockets were fired into the sky above Philadelphia." And the fourth of July—which was, after all, the day Congress adopted the text of the Declaration—became Independence Day.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian/issues04/jul04/editorsnote.html

 

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[Guest guest]

Dear John,

 

Thank you for keeping on throwing light on

the real US date of birth.

 

Your contribution has been precious.

 

Best wishes,

 

Jorge

 

 

John T W B

[jtwbjakarta]

sábado, 12 de Fevereiro de

2005 00:16

samva

July 2, 1776's

Significance: A Wry Reflection by historian John Ferling

 

 

 

Carey

Winfrey, Editor, SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE, in the July 2004 issue, wrote:

We're also

pleased to have found historian John Ferling, Professor Emeritus of

History at the State University of West

Georgia.                                                                             

In " The

Rocky Road to Revolution, " Ferling reminds us of the contentious debates of 1776

that finally led the Second Continental Congress to declare independence from England.

The historic vote was taken on that fateful July

2, 1776.                                                                                                    

 

" That's

right, " says Ferling. " July 2nd! I like to grill outside or picnic on

July 2nd.  I feel that I am remembering the proper day, and it also enables me

to celebrate twice    — on the real Independence Day and two days later

on the contrived holiday. "                               

So how did

July 4 come to be the official

holiday?                                                        

Pure

accident. In 1777, no one in Congress, busy prosecuting a war, gave much 

thought to the July 2 anniversary until it was at hand. " Given such short

notice, it was obvious that not much of a celebration was possible, " says

Ferling. Only by buying 48 hours, could they do the thing justice.

" As the sky darkened on July 4,

1777, and a band composed of Hessian prisoners of war provided

music, " Ferling goes on, " 13 rockets were fired into the sky above Philadelphia. "

And the fourth of July—which was, after all, the day Congress

adopted the text of the Declaration—became Independence Day.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian/issues04/jul04/editorsnote.html

 

 

 

 

 

ALL-NEW Messenger - all new

features - even more fun!