04 July, 2010

In Congress, July 4, 1776

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.

On this day in 1776, the final draft of the United States Declaration of Independence was approved. In actuality, the Second Continental Congress had voted to approve secession two days earlier on July 2, but the final wording of the document was not ratified until July 4. Most historians agree that only John Hancock, as president of the Second Continental Congress, actually signed the document that day and most of the rest didn't sign it until nearly a month later, on August 2, while some may not have signed it until as late as September. But nevertheless, this is the day that is remembered as the true turning point, the moment the Thirteen Colonies became an independent nation.

Happy Birthday, United States of America.

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