Happy Independence Day!

Mr. and Mrs. Edison Campenella celebrate freedom as they decorate a tree at Southwind Nursing Rehab Center in honor of those who have fought and continue to fight to protect our country. This weekend marks the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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By Katherine Miller
STAFF WRITER

CROWLEY – This weekend, Americans come together to celebrate Independence Day. To honor those responsible for protecting our freedom and to celebrate the 233rd birthday of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In a letter recently submitted to the Post Signal, Mrs. Inez Campenella, who resides with her husband Edison, at Southwind Nursing Home, stated that this fourth of July, she and her husband will be thanking God while they salute the flag for the everyday freedoms that we can enjoy.
She expressed, “Now, more than ever, we have a re-awakened sense of patriotism now that our freedom is in jeopardy.”
Mrs. Campenella said that her husband has lots of LSU memories of past successes to go on the walls, and that Tigers have provided a roller coaster of excitement over the years through his transition period from home to nursing home.
It all began one Christmas when they set out their treasured decorations on for everyone to enjoy. Next came Mardi Gras with beads, throws, horns and colorful streamers.
“All of the different trees have kept my husband interested in remembering times past,” she said.
The history of our country’s independence dates back to the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. On this day, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed by Richard Lee of Virginia.
After the approval of this proposal, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement that explained this decision. This statement was issued by a committee of five people, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author.
Congress further debated and revised the Declaration, with the final draft being approved two days later on July 4.
John Adams, in a letter to his wife expressed these words, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations.”
The first anniversary of Independence Day was marked by thirteen gun shots, once at morning and again as evening fell in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary with an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, parades, troop reviews and fireworks. Ships were decked with red, white and blue bunting.
Traditionally, family and friends gather on this beloved holiday to participate in such activities as barbecues, fireworks and parades.