When Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, they celebrate the nation’s birth. July 4, 1776 was a day that changed the course of American history. It all occurred in a steamy room in the Pennsylvania State House Building in Philadelphia where members of the Second Continental Congress gathered to debate about whether they should adopt the Declaration of Independence, after it had undergone revisions.

Some Historical Facts About July 4 and the Declaration of Independence

The original Declaration of Independence was crafted by Thomas Jefferson, a very detail-oriented man who took meticulous notes throughout the entire proceedings. Unfortunately, his notes have never been found, and the discussions were closed to the public, so no records exist that could corroborate what historians believe Jefferson described in his notes.

He did note that by the end of the night of July 4, 1776, the Declaration was approved and all but one delegate had signed it. The remaining delegate was John Dickinson of Pennsylvania. No record or copy of the Declaration with more than one signature exists, and no other copy has ever been found. The only evidence of the signed Declaration that exists comes from copies that have one lone signature, and that is the famous signature of John Hancock.

Two days before the Declaration of Independence was adopted, the Congress began their deliberations. By this time, the delegates were no longer representing colonies, because they were referring to themselves as states. The next day, in anticipation of the adoption of that document, John Adams sent a letter home to his wife Abigail. Adams knew that the events that were playing out in front of him were extremely important, and that the outcome would shape the entire future history of the United States of America. He was certain that these events would become the grounds on which future generations of Americans would celebrate the occasion as an Anniversary Festival. He described it as the “most memorable Epocha, (sic) in the History of America.”

He was clearly excited about the decisions because he continued the letter by suggesting that the day “ought to be solemnized 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 and forever more. (sic)”

As Americans gather with family members, friends, or neighbors, they will participate in all of the traditional things that people do for this holiday. While many of the activities are distinctively regional, the ways through which people choose to decorate are largely governed by the colors of the flag. Decorations are supposed to reflect the patriotic sentiment of the Stars and Stripes, and Red, White and Blue.

Star Spangled Roses

To add a touch of elegance to your table, your home, your outdoor living area, or anywhere or everywhere you intend to celebrate and entertain guests, add some flowers. Our gorgeous Star Spangled Roses arrangement is the perfect touch of elegance to welcome your guests to your home. If you’re invited to someone’s house for the holiday, delight him or her with a gift of this arrangement.

You can count on Blossom Flower Shops to help you choose or design the perfect Fourth of July flowers to decorate your holiday entertaining spaces.