Independence Day

This morning I’ve seen so many lovely 4th of July / Independence Day social media posts. Interestingly a big percentage of the posts share the themes of thanking our active service men and women, our veterans, and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States of America.  I so appreciate our service men and women passed and present, but actually Independence Day is about celebrating the official birthday of the United States of America.

Today, I want to be a purist and specifically honor Thomas Jefferson for drafting our Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress for voting in favor of our independence, and the thirteen colonies’ leaders who made our independence official on July 4th, 1776.  I did just a little research about Independence Day this morning, and this is what I learned (re-learned) thanks to History.com:

  • The Fourth of July / Independence Day has been an official holiday for Americans since 1941.

  • The tradition of celebrating Independence Day dates back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.

  • On July 2nd, 1776 the Continental Congress voted in favor of our independence from Great Britain.

  • On July 4th, 1776 the thirteen colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, the historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

We hope you and yours are safe and happy on this historic day of celebration.  Enjoy all the food, fun, festivities, and freedom!

Happy 241st birthday to the great U.S.A.!

 

Similar Posts

Success Requires Communication

Success Requires Communication

Twenty years ago as a new manager in the insurance industry, I remember being told by a corporate leadership trainer “the key to being a successful manager is Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!” I also remember looking skeptically into the eyes of that trainer and thinking “Really? You are getting paid to tell me I need to…

Shark or Turtle? What is your conflict style?

Shark or Turtle? What is your conflict style?

Can a turtle safely co-exist with a shark? What about a fox with a teddy bear? I say “Absolutely!” If they are aware of their own go-to conflict style, have a decent understanding of those around them, and realize they have options.  When it comes to conflict style, we all have dominate traits, but we…

Joy or Anxiety? Tips for Navigating Change

Joy or Anxiety? Tips for Navigating Change

  I found myself pondering the impact of change  yesterday, while heading home from the last graduation party of the season. I reflected on conversations with graduates, parents, friends and colleagues, about big and small changes, and how they felt as they navigated them. Sometimes strong feelings are fleeting; sometimes they last a lifetime. I…