Independence Day - Tamiloviam

      ,
       , 
 ,  ,    
.     .

- ''

On July 4th, Americans celebrate Independence Day. The story goes something like this

A group of settlers known as Pilgrims settled in a place known as Plymouth.
The settlements grew and 13 colonies were established. Although the settlers
original fled England to avoid religious persecution they found themselves
under British rule.

The colonies struggled for independence and autonomy from the clutches of
England for many years. England was far away and was unable to be actively
involved with the welfare of the colonists. They did, however, levy heavy
taxes on all products going to the colonies.

In 1767, England placed a tax on all tea used by the American colonist. The
colonists protested "taxation without representation" and refused to allow the tea
to be unloaded. In 1773, colonists dressed as Native Americans, boarded ships
from the East India Company and threw 300 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor.
This became known as the Boston Tea Party and the road to freedom was begun.

On January 10, 1776 the famous pamphlet Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, was
distributed. It swept the colonies invoking a sense of pride and determination. The
Spirit of '76 was born.

On July 4, 1776, Congress passed the Declaration of Independence. It announced to
the world that "these United Colonies" are "Free and Independent States" and absolved
their ties with England, thus beginning the war for independence. They had declared
their right to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Today Americans celebrate by flying the flag, cooking at home (usually a cookout, also
known as a barbecue), and watching a brilliant fireworks display.

Capital: Washington, D.C.
Motto: "In God We Trust"
National Anthem: "The Star Spangled Banner"
National Bird: Bald Eagle
National Flower: Rose

American Flag

Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag. It is not clear who actually designed
it, but the experts at the Betsy Ross House suggest it was Francis Hopkinson, a
New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the
Declaration of Independence.

The flag has 13 stripes representing the original 13 colonies (7 red and 6 white).
In the upper left corner is a navy blue field with 50 white stars that represents
the states.

There is no official designation or meaning for the colors of the flag.
There is no record stating why red, white, and blue where chosen for the flag.
However, when the Great Seal of the United States was chosen this is what
was listed for them.

"WHITE" for purity and innocence
"RED" for valor and hardiness
"BLUE" for vigilance, perseverance, and justice

Folktales says that George Washington interpreted the flag in this way the stars
were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes
signified the secession from the home country.

If the flag is flown upside down it signals distress. It means "I need help, I'm in trouble".

Worn out flags are destroyed, usually by burning.

When flown at half-staff, the flag is raised to the top of the flag pole
then lowered to half-staff. When taken down, the flag is again raised to
the top and then brought down.

A flag is flown from dawn to dusk. However, it may be flown for 24 hours
if illuminated during the hours of darkness.

The flag should never touch the ground, the floor, or water.

Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell rung July 8, 1776 to announce the adoption of the Declaration
of Independence.

This bell has had quite a history.

On November 1, 1751, a bell was ordered from the Whitechapel Foundry in England
with the intention it should hang in the State House steeple, now Independence Hall.
September 2, 1752, the bell arrived and March 10, 1753 in was hung. It cracked while
the sound was being tested. The break was believed to be cause by flaws in the
casting. The cracked bell was melted down and recast by the local Philadelphia foundry.
An ounce and a half to a pound of copper was added in an attempt to make the new
bell less brittle. The tone of this bell was not liked and so it was again melted down
and recast. In June of 1753 the bell was hung again but the tone was still not
approved of. A new bell was ordered from England. After it arrived it was agreed that
it sound no better than the last. The previous bell was left in the steeple and the new
bell was placed in the cupola on the State House roof and attached to the clock to
sound the hours.

Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam, we've all heard of him but who is he. The prevailing theory suggests that
Uncle Sam was named after Samuel Wilson. During the War of 1812, Samuel Wilson
provided large quantities of meat to the US Army. The shipments were stamped "U.S".
It is thought someone referred to the stamp as "Uncle Sam Wilson" and this eventually
became associated with the government. Artists and cartoonist of 1930s and 1940s
created the white bearded, stars and stripped Uncle Sam that we all know. He does
not resemble Samuel Wilson.