The Fourth Of July By Rae777 on Jul 03, 2010 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

Most of the US celebrates 4th of July in some manner. Whether it's a parade, fireworks, a picnic, or a family gathering it's an important day in our history. Well almost. Did you know we actually got our independence on July 2nd ? During the American Revolution Congress voted to approve our independence on July 2nd. On the same day a group of men got together and put together a document stating why we wanted our independence and it was signed. The final draft was approved on the 4th and most of the rest of the signers signed it and dated it July 4th. Other facts about our country:

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4th 50 years after they signed the Declaration of Independence.

If July 4th lands on a weekday, you're a federal employee and you get a paid day off from work you have the 1941 Congress to thank for that.

Betsy Ross made the first flag in May 1776.

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 but look quite a bit different. I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all but it now is: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

Our national anthem was written in September 14, 1814 but did not become our national anthem until 1931.

There are several places on the internet where you can read the Declaration of Independence such as http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/DeclarInd.html

I think it's safe to say that no matter what day we got our independence we have some very brave men to thank for it. However you celebrate Independence Day remember exactly what it means to all of us and be careful with the fireworks!