July 4th On this Day America's 247 years young

 

 OTD

July 4 is the 185th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 180 days remain until the end of the year.

Events

1054 – A supernova, called SN 1054, is seen by Chinese Song dynasty, Arab, and possibly Amerindian observers near the star Zeta Tauri. For several months it remains bright enough to be seen during the day. Its remnants form the Crab Nebula.

1584 – Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe arrive at Roanoke Island.

1774 – Orangetown Resolutions are adopted in the Province of New York, one of many protests against the British Parliament's Coercive Acts.

1776 – American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress.

1778 – American Revolutionary War: U.S. forces under George Clark captured Kaskaskia during the Illinois campaign.

1802 – At West Point, New York, the United States Military Academy opens.

1803 – The Louisiana Purchase is announced to the American people.

1817 – In Rome, New York, construction on the Erie Canal begins.

1818 – US Flag Act of 1818 goes into effect creating a 13-stripe flag with a star for each state. New stars would be added on the 4th of July after a new state had been admitted.

1832 – John Neal delivers the first public lecture in the US to advocate the rights of women.

1845 – Henry David Thoreau moves into a small cabin on Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. Thoreau's account of his two years there, Walden, will become a touchstone of the environmental movement.

1881 – In Alabama, the Tuskegee Institute opens.

1939 – Lou Gehrig, recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, informs a crowd at Yankee Stadium that he considers himself "The luckiest man on the face of the earth", then announces his retirement from major league baseball.

1976 – The U.S. celebrates its Bicentennial.

 

Birthdays

1804 – Nathaniel Hawthorne, American novelist, and short story writer (d. 1864)

1826 – Stephen Foster, American songwriter, and composer (d. 1864)

1868 – Henrietta Swan Leavitt, American astronomer and academic (d. 1921)

1872 – Calvin Coolidge, American lawyer, and politician, 30th President of the United States (d. 1933)

1895 – Irving Caesar, American songwriter, and composer (d. 1996)

1902 – Meyer Lansky, American gangster (d. 1983)

1911 – Elizabeth Peratrovich, Alaskan-American civil rights activist (d. 1958)

1929 – Al Davis, American football player, coach, and manager (d. 2011)

1965 – Horace Grant, American basketball player, and coach

1995 – Post Malone, American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer 

Happy birthday, United States of America!

On this special day, as we celebrate the birth of a nation built on the principles of liberty and freedom, it is essential to acknowledge the remarkable achievements that individual freedom has fostered throughout American history. The United States stands as a shining beacon of hope and opportunity, where countless dreams have been realized and extraordinary results have been achieved.

From its inception, the United States has embraced the fundamental concept that every individual possesses inherent rights and freedoms. This belief has been a driving force behind the nation's success, empowering its citizens to reach unprecedented heights and contribute to the advancement of society. By allowing individuals to pursue their passions, express their thoughts, and follow their own paths, America has become a vibrant tapestry of diversity, innovation, and progress.

Individual freedom has played a pivotal role in shaping the United States into a land of limitless possibilities. It has fueled the entrepreneurial spirit that has birthed countless businesses, from small startups to global corporations, driving economic growth and creating millions of jobs. It has inspired scientific breakthroughs, leading to remarkable discoveries and inventions that have revolutionized industries and improved the lives of people around the world.

Moreover, individual freedom has been the driving force behind social progress and cultural achievements in the United States. It has given rise to movements advocating for civil rights, women's suffrage, LGBTQ+ rights, and many other important causes. The voices of individuals who dared to speak out against injustice have been instrumental in bringing about transformative change, shaping a society that is more inclusive, compassionate, and equal.

The United States has consistently proven that when individuals are granted the freedom to pursue their aspirations, remarkable results emerge. This nation has witnessed the rise of leaders, artists, scientists, and visionaries who have left an indelible mark on human history. From Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King Jr., from Thomas Edison to Steve Jobs, from Maya Angelou to Toni Morrison, the list of extraordinary individuals who have shaped the world through their freedom-fueled endeavors is endless.

As we celebrate the United States' birthday, let us cherish and protect the vital principle of individual freedom that has been the cornerstone of this great nation. Let us recognize that by empowering individuals to follow their dreams and exercise their rights, we create a society that thrives on diversity, innovation, and progress. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for the United States, where the limitless potential of every individual is realized, and where the pursuit of happiness remains a driving force behind our collective success.

Happy birthday, United States of America! May your commitment to individual freedom continue to inspire greatness for generations to come.