One of the biggest holidays at Lake of the Ozarks is Independence Day. Every year, thousands of visitors head to the Lake to enjoy the water, barbeques, live music, fireworks and fun. Just like many of our national holidays, Independence Day is also a great holiday to reflect and remember the history and true meaning.
On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from
England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United
States. Every year on July 4th, Americans celebrate this historic event as Independence Day.
During the June 7th session of the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence
Hall), Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the
famous words:
"Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right
ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from
all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection
between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally
dissolved."
The resolution went through several revisions under the lead of Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, but its spirit remained unchanged. The resolution was officially adopted in the late afternoon of July 4. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the
Declaration of Independence. It has been said that John Hancock's signed his
name "with a great flourish" so England's "King George can read that
without spectacles!"
Why fireworks on the 4th of July?
Because John Adams envisioned fireworks as a part of the festivities, even before the Declaration of Independence was signed! In his letter to Abigail Adams on July 3, 1776 (the day before the signing), he wrote that the
occasion should be celebrated “with Pomp and Parade, with Shews,
Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
The first official commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4, 1777.
In this spirit, we celebrate Independence Day at Lake of the Ozarks.
Wherever you are watching the fireworks displays, take some time to share the story with your children, so they learn and remember the meaning and the history of this important day.
Thursday - July 4th
Friday - July 5th
Saturday - July 6th
~ Happy 4th of July from the YourLakeVacation.com Team!
YourLakeVacation.com
3738 Osage Beach Pkwy, Ste 201
Osage Beach, MO 65065
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Fax - 573-365-5076
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