by Patrick Corcoran

Created on: June 26, 2008   Last Updated: April 02, 2009

On June 10th 1776, the First Continental Congress commissioned five men to compose a document declaring America's independence from England. On June 11th the five men entered a candle-lit room in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to take on a task that could cost them their lives and fortunes. They were going to draft a document declaring their Independence from their ruling government, England.

These men were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman. Jefferson was the one who actually wielded the pen. The five emerged from the room on June 28th and the document, "The Declaration of Independence" was ratified by the Congress on July 4th.

The flag, "Old Glory" came later. It was a red white and blue banner, carried by the men fighting in the revolution. When Cornwallis surrendered in 1781 the people of the new United States fired their muskets and cannons in celebration. Feasts were prepared everywhere and the men who fought in the war marched or paraded back to their homes to wild celebrations in the streets. This was a party!
The celebration of our country's birth today is not that different than it was over 200 years ago. On this 4th of July, 2008 there are some Do's and "Dont's" we should bear in mind.

"Do" celebrate, set off your fireworks and let your patriotism swell up inside you. But please "DO" remember the men who ran straight at cannon and musket fire. That's what the bright sparks and booming sounds simulate. "DO" eat hot dogs and burgers and potato salad and "DO" remember the people in 1781 that drank and ate with gusto during their celebration of independence. "Do" have parades and please "Do" hold your hand over your heart as the flag of our country passes by. "Do" stand and cheer the soldiers and thank them and "Do" remember the way men and women walked in the streets with the returning revolutionary soldiers. "Do" celebrate your freedom and visit Philadelphia or your local town square, courthouse or wherever your local government meets and "Do" thank the men and women who came before us to make our society the greatest in the world. "Do" go to a citizenship swearing-in and listen to the new Americans who stood in line and legally became citizens of The United States. "Do" greet them and welcome them here as Americans. "Do" fly "OLD Glory", honor and salute her and "Do" remember the men who carried that banner in battles for our freedom, not allowing it to touch ever the ground.

But most of all "Do" enjoy yourself "Do" share our good fortune and love of country with your family and friends. "Do" wave to a stranger, a fellow American, and "Don't forget to remember that first, Fourth of July.

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