Let Freedom Ring

Today, the 4th of July means cookouts, fireworks, and family get-togethers. But, 230+ years ago, it was a day of convictions, far-sightedness, and bravery.

It all started in Philadelphia, in the Continental Congress, with 39 men - three from each colony. Taxed, ignored, and rebuked by the British, the Congress adopted a resolution in June of 1776 that America should be free and independent of Great Britain. Treasonous words.

The Congress appointed a group of five to compose a Declaration of Independence, one of whom was Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. His document, with over 100 ammendments was finally adopted on July 4, 1776 in the late afternoon, with a church bell ringing in the background, a bell that would henceforth be called the Liberty Bell.

So many things almost stalled the Declaration: the issue of slavery, personality clashes, and deep-seated loyalties to the crown. But, to the determination of this handful of men, we owe the freedoms that we treasure all of these years later.

For more about the history of Independence Day, see:

• Brief History of the Declaration of Independence
• Philadelphia: Where it All Began
• Text of the Declaration of Independence

...wishing all About.com Cleveland readers a happy and safe Independence Day.

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