Happy Independence Day (7/4/04)

Independence Day is most commonly known as the 4th of July and is the birthday of the Declaration of Independence. The creation of the Declaration of Independence marked the creation of the United States of America. Although it is celebrated on July 4th each year in the United States, it is not the date that all 13 of the original colonies signed the original document. This original document went thru 47 revisions before it was finalized on July 2, 1776. John Hancock signed the finalized document on July 4, 1776 but Independence Day was not celebrated until July 8, 1776. Due to travel time and distance, many of the colonies were not aware that Independence from British rule had actually been declared. Many other colonies were reluctant to sign the document for fear of retribution from the British troops. Eventually, all 13 colonies did sign the Declaration of Independence.