FEDERATION OF AMERICAN CONSUMERS AND TRAVELERS
-NEWS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Independence Day!
Edwardsville, IL. July 1, 2015- Vicki Rolens, Managing Director of the Federation of
American Consumers and Travelers (FACT) found some interesting facts about our
Independence day.
Independence Day marks the creation of our country as a free and sovereign nation. However, although
we celebrate on July 4, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain took place on July
2 when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence as proposed by
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia (father of Robert E. Lee). After the independence vote, Congress turned
its attention to the Declaration of Independence (the actual document) which had been prepared by a
committee of five, headed by Thomas Jefferson. Congress debated and revised the wording (some things
never change) finally approving it on July 4.
On July 3, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail:
“The second of July 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”.
So, it would appear that our independence actually was declared on July 2 (when we told the Brits to get
lost) but formalized, in writing, on July 4. However, many historians believe that the document was
actually signed by Congress on August 2 despite the fact that Jefferson, Adams and Franklin later wrote
that they had signed on the fourth of July. Nonetheless, going forward, observances were held on July 4.
One of the first recorded was in Bristol, Rhode Island in 1777 when thirteen gunshots were fired, first in
the morning and again in the evening. In 1778, George Washington marked the occasion by issuing a
double ration of rum for his troops and an artillery salute. In Europe, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin
attended a dinner with their fellow Americans in Paris. The first use of the term “Independence Day” did
not occur until 1791. In 1870, Congress made it a formal holiday for federal employees (but without
pay). By 1938, Congress was feeling generous and made it a paid holiday. July 4 was also the day, in
1826, on which both Jefferson and Adams passed away. Not to be outdone, another founding father,
James Monroe, died on the fourth in 1831. So far, only one president has managed to be born on July 4,
Calvin Coolidge in 1872 (a Yankee Doodle Dandy?).
Regardless of when the declaration actually occurred (what day, hour or minute), we can all agree that it
did occur and that we are free and independent. I also think, as we go to the July 4 sales at the Mall or to
the many picnics and firework displays, what needs to be remembered is that freedom is not free. It has
always come with a heavy price in treasure and, more importantly, in lives. We need always to remember
those who have suffered and died (and continue to do so) so that we can continue to stand as the United
States of America….an independent and sovereign nation.
This news release has been issued by the Federation of American Consumers and Travelers (FACT), a consumer
organization formed under the not-for-profit corporation laws of the District of Columbia in 1984. FACT serves
more than 1 million consumers nationwide. Additional information on FACT may be found in the Encyclopedia of
Associations, and by visiting the association's Web site (www.usafact.org). Informative, unbiased news bulletins are
regularly disseminated by FACT to help its members remain current on matters which might seriously impact their
lives. The association does not offer support to -- and does not receive support from -- any political party or
movement. In addition to publishing consumer-related reports, the association provides more than 30 benefits for its
members, ranging from medical insurance and dental discounts to prescription drug savings and scholarships.
FACT’s administrative office is located at 318 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025.