On July 2, 1776 the Second Continental Congress approved a resolution of independence proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee, a representative from Virginia. Once that Resolution was passed, debate began on a draft of the Declaration of Independence which had been prepared by a Committee of Five who had been appointed to write a Declaration of Independence explaining the reasons that justified the separation of the 13 Colonies from the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston were chosen to draft the Declaration. Jefferson was the primary author, with the most input from Franklin and Adams, who had written an initial resolution and submitted it to the Assembly on May 15th. Sherman and Livingston also made contributions, but Jefferson is the one history regards as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. In truth it was a collaboration of great minds, inspired by Nature’s God.
“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. 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 forever more.”
– John Adams in a letter to his wife Abigal.
– John Adams in a letter to his wife Abigal.
On July 2nd then, the Assembly began the debate on the draft provided by the Committee of Five. Additions and deletions were made over the next two days and on July 4th, 1776 the Second Continental Congress adopted and signed the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. Thus the United States of America was born of Nature’s God: Creator of all things visible and invisible in the universe, as a Manifesto of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for all mankind.
LET FREEDOM RING!
Do you think it strange my friend, that on the Fourth their lives should end? Do you think it strange indeed, that two who authored Freedom's Creed, should die on the 50th Anniversary of Life, and Love, and Liberty?
Don't you think it strange my friend, that on the Fourth, their lives should end?
LET FREEDOM RING!
Do you think it strange my friend, that on the Fourth their lives should end? Do you think it strange indeed, that two who authored Freedom's Creed, should die on the 50th Anniversary of Life, and Love, and Liberty?
Don't you think it strange my friend, that on the Fourth, their lives should end?
