Today in History - July 4

~~~~~ American History Declaration of Independence The Reason for the Holiday ~~~~~ Today is Saturday, July 4, the 185th day of 2009. There are 180 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. On this date: In 1802, the United States Military Academy officially opened at West Point, N.Y. In 1826, 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence was adopted, former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died. In 1831, the fifth president of the United States, James Monroe, died in New York City. In 1872, the 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, was born in Plymouth, Vt. In 1919, Jack Dempsey won the world heavyweight boxing title by defeating Jess Willard in Toledo, Ohio. In 1939, baseball's "Iron Horse," Lou Gehrig, said farewell to his fans at New York's Yankee Stadium. In 1959, America's 49-star flag, honoring Alaskan statehood, was officially unfurled. In 1960, America's 50-star flag, honoring Hawaiian statehood, was officially unfurled. More ... Associated Press More Info - 4th of July - Indendence Day Fun 4th of July Facts from CBS News The Real Meaning of the 4th of July The 4th of July - The Arizona Star

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John Adams
Second President of the United States of America

He wrote:

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. 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 forevermore."

More quotes from John Adams;

http://news.google.com/news...

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YOU can purchase copies of the Declaration of Independence and other historical documents here;

http://store.ushistory.org/showcat.asp...

Donate a copy to the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, and other Orange Cove organizations that teach patriotism and citizenship.

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[thompson-Western Mavrick]

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Seven in military become citizens on Liberty Island

Newsday - Thomas Maier - July 3, 2009

Saturday, as the Statue of Liberty crown opens to the public for the first time since the Sept. 11 attacks, seven members of the US armed forces will be sworn in as American citizens during a special ...

MORE ... http://www.newsday.com/news/local/suffolk/ny-...

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[Outside Looking In]

Thank you Mr. Thompson for the very interesting history lessons. May everyone have a blessed, safe and humbled Independence Day.

[ORANGE COVE MAN]

YES THOMPSON HAVE A WONDERFUL 4TH OF JULY.