Happy 4th of July...and Some Fun Facts About Our 4th!

I hope you and your family have a pleasant and fun 4th of July.

Thank God for our Independence!

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Some of My Own Fun Facts

(Since I loved teaching this unit to my fifth graders)

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1) One interesting fact - Not all members of the Continental Congress supported a formal Declaration of Independence, but those who did were passionate about it. MANY families were split in half because of different views on their freedom - The Loyalists (Red Coats or Lobsterbacks) wanted to remain loyal to the King (King George III of England) while the Patriots (Sons of Liberty) wanted Freedom from the King's tyranny.

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2) During the Boston Tea Party, Patriots dressed up like Native American Indians and threw tea into the Boston Harbor. They felt they were unfairly taxed on tea (as well as many other items.) So they would not get in trouble for any other actions, they made sure to clean up after themselves (scrubbed the boats deck, straighted up, etc.)

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2) Caesar Rodney of Delaware rode 80 miles on horseback to reach Philadelphia and break a tie in support of independence. I used to teach my kids about how he walked in caked with mud and sweat just to include his vote - it was that important to him (would we even fathom doing that on election day in November?!?)

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3) Thomas Jefferson was elected by his peers to write the Declaration of Independence...and he took this calling VERY seriously. He took days of silence as he contemplated it significance.

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4) The Continental Congress voted on independence actually on July 2 (not July 4.) According to most historians, Congress signed this document on August 2, 1776, (also not on July 4.) We celebrate July 4, because it is the day the wording of the Declaration was approved by Congress.

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5) Ben Franklin was the oldest member of the Continental Congress and John Hancock wrote his name the largest (to show King George III how important independence was to him.) .

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So thank God for your freedom and for all these steps that went before you to ensure it!

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I really could have gone on and on (as I told you, I love this stuff) but instead you can also go Here to read some more fun facts about the 4th of July.

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Happy Fourth!