Congress created the first federal holidays in 1870. Chronologically it was January 1st, New Year’s Day, July 4th, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday of November, and December 25th, Christmas Day. These holidays were first recognized as paid days off for federal employees within the District of Columbia.
Interesting, I thought, was to learn there was some ambiguity about the 4th. It appears we didn't kick this holiday off with a fixed and proper title. Though "the Fourth of July” was in use before 1800 history buffs will recall it was once more common to call it, Independence Day. And, not nearly as popular, but in use at the turn of the 18th century was, Independent Day.
Funny, or perhaps ironically, the Continental Congress voted for independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776 and we'd been at war with them since April 19, 1775. Later in his writings John Adams would note that July 2nd would be remembered in the annals of American history and be marked with celebration and fireworks.
But it would be two days later on July 4th that the Continental Congress would approve the Declaration of Independence. After its initial purpose was fulfilled the document was somewhat ignored after the American Revolution. It would take a few years before we, as a young nation, would again pay attention to this amazing document and particular attention to that defining second sentence and its heartfelt declaration of individual human rights.
“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.”
Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday weekend and no matter what you call it, give thanks and enjoy! Happy Birthday America!
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