Adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence publicly announced to the world the unanimous decision of the American colonies to declare themselves free and independent states, absolved from any allegiance to Great Britain. Though eloquent, the Declaration was only a statement of intent; a bloody, eleven-year war followed. Today, remember the thousands who gave their lives for our liberty…and stay safe while you celebrate our nation’s birthday.
Adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence announced that the thirteen American colonies then at war with the Kingdom of Great Britain would regard themselves as independent sovereign states no longer under British rule. The war for American independence, which had begun in 1775 with the Battle of Lexington and Concord, lasted through the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. Tomorrow, remember the thousands of Patriots who gave their lives for our liberty.