For those who already deeply love the United States, and for those who are struggling with the idea, the Declaration of Independence can be a guidepost. It is important to recognize that in … Feel like an individual. As mentioned, June 12 doesn’t signify a literal day of gaining independence from foreign rule but rather it symbolizes a physical realization of a dream that has slumbered within the confines of our hearts. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends. Specifically, next Christmas and how you are going to pay for all the expenses that... Service members and families are being honored with a variety of military discounts to celebrate July 4th. “It’s a holiday that you should enjoy.”, Even when the Declaration of Independence was signed, John Adams believed it should be commemorated in a celebratory manner. “[Our country] is a work in progress.”, He mentions that although Independence Day is our national holiday and has huge historical significance, it should be one of celebration. Because imperfect though the country and its form of society may have been (and will ever be), the signing of this document was an act of progress with resounding historical significance. Why celebrate? Revised by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, the Declaration of Independence was signed by our founding fathers and accepted by Congress on July 4,1776. You get to barbecue with your family, watch fireworks, go to a parade—take part in all the fun summer activities. It is the day when our nation became conscious of all the sacrifices of our fellow countrymen. The move was in commemoration of the declaration of independence from the Spaniards led by Emilio Aguinaldo. Why is it so important to Americans? But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. Congress passed a law-making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870. It represents an official severing of ties between the original 13 colonies and the rule of Great Britain. This is mainly because they are more prepared to take actions and do things without having to wait for support or permission from someone else. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. But it also represents the core of our beliefs, the very makeup of our identity as citizens of the U.S. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, combined a rich a history of ideas and eloquently presented them to the then King of Great Britain along with a list of grievances. Independence Day is an important public holiday in Indonesia, and is celebrated by Indonesian people in their cities and villages, and also abroad. Independence Day Still An Important Holiday for Americans. The holidays during a deployment can stir up all kinds of emotions. They may be untraditional, but these movies for the 4th of July are perfect for celebrating our freedom. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. We celebrate the Declaration of Independence for two reasons. For Christians who have been set free from sin by the death of Jesus Christ, … These are the origins America's biggest holiday. In India, Independence Day falls on August 15th every year. So why is Independence Day important? He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within. As part of a monarchy run by King Dom João VI, Brazil was just one more colony ripe for exploitation. He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance. Independence Day is the National Day of the United States. Comments. Here is the history behind the most patriotic day in the US calendar. He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. Indeed, Abraham Lincoln venerated the Declaration of Independence in … On May 12, 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal moved the commemoration of Independence Day from July 4 to June 12. On this Fourth of July, try celebrating our country’s independence with the following holiday events offered for Independence... Brothers and sisters, if your PTSD is so bad that you need to live in complete quiet you need treatment, not a yard sign. “These are principles that you achieve and not just state,” he says. So, why is it important to acknowledge the significance of Independence Day, and how can we do so in today’s world? This also means that you will have m… In 1776, founding father and soon-to-be president, Thomas Jefferson wrote what is now the United States’ most famous and cherished document to give a list of grievances against King George III of England. All rights reserved. Independence Day (15th day of August) is marked every year, and … Harry Rubenstein, a curator of American politics at the Smithsonian Institution, says that Independence Day celebrates those very ideals of democracy, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and is for anyone who finds faith in the words “all men are created equal.” But he says it is also a holiday to remember and honor those first Americans who made sacrifices to create the Republic and then defend it over the years. He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. Rather, it’s a … He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of IndependenceBy Judith St. George and Will HillenbrandFollow the Declaration of Independence over the course of two centuries, through eight wars and through five states on “horseback, boat, railcar and tank” to where it is now, in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. An initiative of the American Library Association, 225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60601, The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence. He believes it should be preserved as artifacts, but greedy thieves seek to become rich from it. Why Military Christmas Care Packages End Up in Burn Pits, Care Packages Are Not Kindling for Burn Pits, This Holiday Season, You Have a Chance to Be a True Hero, Why You Should Start Christmas Planning In January, Veterans, July 4 and Fireworks: Don’t Be Courteous, Just Be American, 4 Things All Troops Hear When Going On Holiday Leave, Here Are the Best Movies for the 4th of July, Here's Some Other Stuff That Happened on July 4, Fun Facts About the Declaration of Independence, The Best Cities for 4th of July Celebrations. 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 forever more.”. It reads: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. 74th Independence Day: History, Significance, Importance, Why it is celebrated on August 15th 15th August every year is celebrated as the Independence day. “We shouldn’t be too serious about our holidays. In an address on June 12, 1962, Macapagal explained why he moved Philippines’ Independence Day from July 4, 1946 to June 12, 1898. On Monday, Americans will gather to celebrate Independence Day, which marks an event of massive historical significance for the country. The primary purpose of celebrating this special day is to commemorate the so-called independence of the United States from what was once known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain. At certain times, the concept of what it means to be a citizen of the United States of America may seem unclear. Although the times are always changing, there will never be a day when this document does not hold immense importance to the United States or its people. ... Why is it important to celebrate Independence Day? It is an unassailable document that embodies what it means to be an American, and everything we hold dear. In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. But another reason why July 4th is so special is because it’s Independence Day, a holiday celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. The date Jan. 1, 1804, should live in the mind of every Black person around the world. Celebrating the Fourth of July is one of the best parts about summer. Independent people naturally tend to be a little more confident on handling issues affecting their lives. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us: For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world: For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. It was written to justify the colonies breaking away from the mother country and becoming an independent nation. The ability to make choices throughout the day has a big impact on how you … He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. On July 4, 1776, the day the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the 13 colonies, more than 20 percent of America’s population had no rights, least of all liberty. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. As stated above the special days reflect the importance of certain personality or relationship, and by celebrating a day people acknowledge the significance of these subjects. Independence as a generation, different from those who came before us and those who will come after. posted June 11, 2019 at 06:50 pm by Felina Alcabaza The declaration of independence is one of the most important milestones in Philippine history. When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. But the spirit of Independence Day is not only about the United States officially becoming a country. Have a great … By the 1820s, colonists were ready to throw off their Portuguese shackles. It is very interesting and very important for us to discuss this. Here's some fun numbers to keep in mind as you celebrate Independence Day. Independence Day is a public holiday. While many citizens are very passionate about our country, there are others who cannot accept patriotism as a wholesale, no-strings-attached concept. Why Independence Day is a huge holiday. it brings honor and love for those who spent their lives (heroes) seeking to end the abuses of Spain … 15 Fredrick Holmstrom He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only. At great risk have Americans stood up to many forms of tyranny and oppression, and however long it takes, liberty prevails. Since 1962, Philippine Independence Day has been celebrated every June 12 after President Diosdado Macapagal changed the date from July 4, the day when a treaty was made declaring the freedom of the Philippines from the United States. So have all the fun you want this Independence Day, and show your patriotism by celebrating and watching “illuminations” … or fireworks! Imagine achieving your freedom after all the hardships you’ve been through. Here are some great ideas. Teach your kids why Independence Day is important Nollywood has produced one or two movies about the Nigerian independence day. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. It marks a day of liberation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. St. John's University. The fact that men and women have laid down their lives to purchase your freedom makes this one of the most important holidays of the year. Maybe we can look at it as a true Independence Day, in a new way. He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. National TreasureFrom Walt Disney Home EntertainmentBenjamin Franklin Gates has been searching his whole life for a beyond imaginable treasure hidden by our nation’s founding fathers. We celebrate the Declaration of Independence for two reasons. Although written in a different time with different social norms and commonly accepted philosophies, the U.S. has made consistent strides to truly embody the words, “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” This idea has emboldened us to forge our own paths as individuals and as a nation. Instead of celebrating an old America, an America that many in our generation is unsure what to do with, maybe we can take the day to celebrate our own independence. Remember when going on leave for the holidays got you a hearty "have fun!" It is important because on that day Haiti declared its independence from … July 3, 2012 Updated: July 3, 2012 7:15 p.m. Facebook Twitter Email. American liberty is a blessing from God. Rubenstein says that it’s also important to remember that as Americans, we should continue to embody the values our country was built on. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power. Don’t feel like you have to go to a history class,” he says. Today, I want to talk about Christmas. It also explores other holidays around the world that celebrate independence. We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. Why Jamaican Independence Day Is Important "Independence day is one of the most important times to actually to remind yourself not to lose hope or faith and things will get better" Mark Miller. Importance of Independence Day Celebration. On the 4th of July the United States celebrates its Independence Day. He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. Because of our freedom, we can express our faith and boldly share it with others. As a result, Independence Day celebrates the birth of a new nation. He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers. Tim Hall/Cultura/Getty Images Independence is fundamental for success, boosts confidence, reduces over-reliance on others, promotes happiness, increases sense of accomplishment and promotes better decision-making. Independence Day commemorates independence from British colonial rule. People like to celebrate special days. Gates soon discovers that he must find the treasure to protect it, and that means deciphering multiples clues outlined by a map that is on the back of the Declaration of Independence, which he must steal. On July 4, 1776, the so-called Declaration of Independence was finally adopted. The Afghanistan Independence Day is a national holiday to celebrate the glorious past and national pride of the country. The Declaration of Independence was written with the theory that every person has inherent rights, called “self-evident truths” in the official document. He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands. According to the Philadelphia Tribune, 27 of the 56 White male property owners who signed the Declaration were slave-holders, slave-shippers and/or slave-investors. Sanford Levinson. Because of it, many people during that time accused him of politicizing the holiday. It is telling that Independence Day, not Constitution Day, is America's most basic national holiday. The question is: why is it important to celebrate our Independence Day on August 14? Why Independence Day is more important than Constitution Day. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. Many veterans have no close circle of trusted friends or a figure in their lives who can look out for them. Being independent therefore means that you will be more likely to try out new things that you want, rather than what or how you are expected to. But another reason why July 4th is so special is because it’s Independence Day, a holiday celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. It represents an official severing of ties between the original 13 colonies and the rule of Great Britain. July 4 is like a magnet for big deal events. It’s about celebrating the values that the country was founded upon. The Declaration of Independence states that the authority to govern belongs to the people, rather than to kings, that all people are created equal and have rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. THE Fourth of July - also known as Independence Day - is America’s biggest national holiday and a time for celebration. The Importance of Independence Day Why do we celebrate Independence Day? 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