Fourth of July has deep meaning posted Wednesday, June 29th, 2011 @ 11:17 pm  E-mail Story |  Print Story  Each year on July 4, America celebrates its independence that dates back to the year 1776 when 13 American colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring their freedom from British rule. Thus, the Fourth of July became one of the significant holidays in this country, taking its place along side Christmas and Thanksgiving. It is an historic holiday that all Americans should cherish. America was in its infancy when Richard Henry Lee of Virginia offered the resolution during the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776, in the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall). Lee's resolution called for separation from England. A committee was formed consisting of two New England men, John Adams of Massachusetts and Roger Sherman of Connecticut, two men from the middle colonies, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert Livingston of New York, and one southerner, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia. Their charge was to write a document that spelled out the independence we enjoy today, some 235 year later. Most of the committee's work was performed by Thomas Jefferson, one of the most profound thinkers of his time. After much debate the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Today, few of us who celebrate the Fourth of July will give little thought to why we observe the birth of our nation's independence. Even fewer will think to tell our young people why we are taking a holiday to fly the American flag and eat heartily. Freedom and independence in 2011 are taken for granted. In 1776, 13 colonies of Americans grew tired of being ruled from abroad, and Richard Henry Lee of Virginia sparked a charge that led to America's independence. And Thomas Jefferson of Virginia was the delegate who laid the framework with thoughts from his flowing pen. Since July 4, 1776, thousands and thousands of Americans have given their blood and their lives to preserve the freedom and independence of this land. Despite her frailties and her inequities, America remains the symbol of free and independent people throughout the world.