Hello everyone, hope you had a fun and safe July 4th Holiday. July is the month in which we celebrate our country’s independence. Our founding fathers sealed the declaration on July 4th, 1776. Our country is 245 years old. Now let’s take a short trip through history.
On July 2, 1776, Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved, and the document was published. In 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their independence. On July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the final wording of the Declaration of Independence was approved, and the document was published. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776. Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. In 1870, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941, it became a paid holiday for them. The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations" throughout the United States. However, the term "Independence Day" was not used until 1791. Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 - exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration. It is also important to note that Native Americans lived in the country and each tribe had its own nation and government prior to the European settlers. Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed. Some businesses may be closed as well. In some years, many employees use a proportion of their vacation days to create a long weekend. This can cause congestion in some places, particularly towards popular holiday destinations. There are many public events, parades, shows and fireworks displays. This may cause local disruption to traffic. Independence Day is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war games. Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. The most impressive fireworks are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation spot. Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events to show their support for the history, heritage and people of their country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today's Americans. The Statue of Liberty is a national monument that is associated with Independence Day.
Useless Facts:
1. July has two birth flowers – the water lily and the larkspur. The water lily is a symbol of a pure heart, while the larkspur (especially its white form) represents the lightness of the heart. The birthstone of July is the ruby, considered by many to be the king of gems1.
2. July is UFO season.
3. The phones started ringing in July 2.
4. The month is named after an emperor.
5. It’s a month of many odd holidays.
6. It tends to be peak pruning season.
7. You’ll also see plenty of hay in July.
8. Only two people actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th John Hancock and Charles Thomson, secretary of Congress. Most of the others signed on August 2nd
9. On July 4, 1778, George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for his soldiers to celebrate the holiday.
10. Fireworks have been a major part of Fourth of July since the earliest celebrations. In 1884, miners blew up the post office in Swan, Colorado, because it wasn't supplied with fireworks.
Local Events:
1. Hungry Mother Festival Marion VA July 21st – 23rd
2. Celebration of Life for Travis Mizzell July 16 at Highlands BBQ
3. DTB Hillbilly & Vet Pre-Party East Tennessee Distillery 6p - 11p July 15th
4. Hillbilly Show & Shine Maggie Valley, NC July 22nd
Bike Night:
1. Wednesday – 19E Pit Stop
2. Wednesday – Jonesboro VFW – Dog Tags
3. Thursday - Quaker Steak & Lube
4. Friday - Tulips
Rides:
1. Ride of his Life Travis Mizzell Memorial Ride Hampton Highschool 11:30am July 15
2. DTB Hillbilly & Vet Ride to Maggie Valley Meet at Jonesborough VFW 8:30am July 22
Rallies:
1. Thunder In The Smokies June 30th – July 2nd Maggie Valley NC
2. 55th Annual Dirt Drags June 30th – July 2nd Boozy Creek
3. Sturgis KY Bike Rally July 12th to 16th Sturgis KY
4. Harley Davidson 120th Anniversary July 13th to 16th Milwaukee Wisconsin