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Washington: The First President by Whitney Blaylock Without a doubt, nearly every American can tell you who was the first President of the United States. Centuries later, George Washington remains a towering figure
in American History. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 and lived until December 14, 1799. Washington led American men in the American Revolution and the French and Indian War.
He was elected the first President of the United States by The Electoral College in 1789 and again in 1792. He remains the only president to receive 100 percent o f t h e votes at each election. Washington is often seen as a symbol of the United States. H e was d e voted t o civic virtue and is remembered as an exemplary figure among early American politicians. His face can be found on the one-dollar bill and the quarterdollar coin. The Mount Rushmore Memorial, located in Keystone, South Dakota, de-
DID YOU KNOW... -”We the people,” the first three words of the Preamble, is one of the most quoted and referenced sections of the Constitution. -The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation. -The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. -The Constitution was completed on September 17, 1787. -The constitution was adopted by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pensylvania, and was later ratified by special conventions in each state. -The Constitution took effect on March 4, 1789.
picts his face in the stone along with Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. Other memorials in his
honor include The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia and The Washington Monument in Washington, D.
C., which is the world’s tallest stone structure. Washington died on December 14, 1799 at his home at the age of 67.
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Recent presidential Independence Day proclamations by J.D. Clark Each year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation or a speech emphasizing the importance of Independence Day. It may interest readers to revisit the following selected presidential messages from our four most recent leaders, ranging from George W. Bush back to Ronald Reagan. On July 1, 2005, George W. Bush issued the following proclamation: “Since July 4, 1776, Americans have experienced freedom's power to overcome tyranny, inspire hope in times of trial, and turn the creative gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace. Across generations, our Nation has defended and advanced liberty.” “The words of our Founding Fathers first guided a country of 4 million souls, yet they put large events in motion. When the Liberty Bell sounded at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, one who witnessed the birth of freedom in our country said, "It rang as if it meant something." In our time it means something still. America continues to proclaim liberty throughout the world, and we remain a country full of hope and promise where opportunity thrives, where all stand equal before the law, and where our freedoms are celebrated.” “Americans live in freedom because of the enduring power of our ideals. In the midst of World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt reminded our troops that our Nation believes in the "right to liberty under God -- for all peoples and races and groups and nations, everywhere in the world." Today, a new generation of Americans continues to defend our Nation and spread freedom. On this Fourth of July, we honor the brave men and women of our military, and their families, and we express our gratitude for their courage, dedication to duty, and love of country. “ “Laura and I send our best wishes to all Americans on Independence Day. May God
bless you, and may God continue to bless America.” Bill Clinton’s final Independence Day proclamation, released on July 1, 2000, was as follows: “I am pleased and proud to join my fellow Americans across the nation and around the world in celebrating Independence Day.”
sacrifice.” “It is up to us to preserve the freedom that so many brave Americans risked their lives to secure. It is up to us to realize our country's highest ideals of justice, equality, and human dignity. It is up to us to reject the forces of hatred that would seek to divide us and instead embrace our common humanity and the values, history, and heritage we “When s h a r e as Amerio u r cans. O u r nation's journey to form a more perfect union
Founders set their hands to the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and gave life to the United States of America, they took an enormous leap of faith. They placed a great trust not only in their fellow citizens, but also in all Americans who would follow in their footsteps. That trust has been passed from generation to generation, and it has been honored by millions of men and women whose hard work, sacrifice, generous spirit, and love of country have seen us safely through more than two centuries of great challenge and change.” “As we come together once again to celebrate the birth of our great nation, we reflect on the remarkable achievements that have placed us in a position of unparalleled world leadership. For the peace and prosperity we enjoy today, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the great patriots who have come before us. As 21st century Americans, we are not only the beneficiaries of their courage and vision --- we are also the stewards of their
is far from over; but, strengthened by our Founders' vision and inspired by our children's dreams, we are sure to reach our destination.” “On this Independence Day, as we celebrate the past, present, and future of America, Hillary joins me in sending best wishes to all for a wonderful Fourth of July.” George H. W. Bush gave a radio address to the American people on July 4, 1991. The speech was as follows: “This is an extraordinary Independence Day, for with re-
cent events still so sharply etched in our minds, we’ve rarely been more keenly aware of the utter supremacy and the frailty of independence.” “Our view of freedom has changed since we last celebrated Independence Day. For America, the finest, most loving nation on Earth, has been at war. Her sons and daughters stood watch on the parched desert and seas of the Gulf, bearing witness by their presence to the vision that compelled us. They added further luster to that vision by helping the victims of Saddam Hussein’s aggression.” “Throughout the long ordeal, America’s people stood watch at home, our yellow-ribboned spirit telling that we believed in liberty, believed in ourselves. It was a scene our country has known before because for 215 years America has been pledged to defend for all people our forefathers’ creed that each person has the right to life, to liberty, and t o the pursuit o f happiness.” “This Fourth of July is a day of celebration, a red-white-and-blue day of barbecues and fireworks, of family reunions and loving tributes to the men a n d women of the Gulf, of Vietnam, of all our national efforts to promote freedom and independence. But July 4, 1991, must also be something more: For allAmericans, it must be a day of reflection and rededication.” “Together we ask God to bless us. We ask God to guide
us. And we pray that in the example of those who stood strong so that others may live in freedom and peace, that this Nation will renew the spirit of brotherhood and commitment that forms our national soul.” Last but not least, the late Ronald Reagan delivered this Independence Day speech on June 23, 1988: “The Fourth of July is much more than a date on the calendar -- it is celebrated here in the United States, and recognized around the world, as a turning point in history. No matter how many Fourths we Americans have seen, every new one revives in our hearts the pure patriotism of childhood. With each flag, with each parade and picnic and burst of fireworks, we can't help but recall the first stirrings of our deep love for America.” “This year, on our Nation's 212th birthday, we recall another special anniversary, the Bicentennial of our first Independence Day under our newly ratified Constitution. In his diary entry for that date, John Quincy Adams recorded how the news of the latest State ratification was received in Boston: “Immediately the bells were set to ringing, and the guns to firing again, without any mercy, and continued all the remainder of the afternoon.'' For two centuries now, the Constitution whose birth these patriots so exuberantly hailed has endured, ensuring our liberty and preserving this great Republic.” “The passage of time has only brought us even more reason to celebrate. Our Founders marked the Fourth of July, uncertain that the Union would be formed; our ancestors at the time of the Civil War marked it as well, uncertain that the Union would survive; and our parents and grandparents marked it, uncertain that it would withstand the ravages of global conflict. We can rejoice -- and be grateful to God -- that peace and prosperity, the hope of every generation, reign for us on this July 4, 1988.” “To all my fellow Americans, Happy Fourth of July!”
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by J.D. Clark One of the most recognizable symbols of our country’s freedom is the Declaration of Independence. Throughout our years spent in the public education system, we hear time and again how delegates ratified the important document on July 4, 1776, thus creating our Independence Day. What many people often forget, however, is that Thomas Jefferson did not simply write up a brilliant document that everyone agreed to and signed. In fact, the declaration went through several drafts, and some of Jefferson’s original words were removed by the Congress, including an argument against slavery. The document actually went through three phases: Jefferson’s original draft, Jefferson’s draft with revisions by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, and the final version with changes made by the Congress. The process of writing a declaration of independence began on June 11, 1776, when Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman met as the Committee of Five to draft a suitable document. The committee appointed
Jefferson to the task of writing the initial draft. He presented it to Franklin and Adams, who made minor changes, and the draft next went to Continental Congress on June 28, 1776. While in general session, the Congress made some of its own changes to the draft and ultimately ratified the decla-
ration on July 4, 1776. So what changed as the declaration changed hands? Most importantly, the Congress removed a section in which Jefferson criticized the slave trade. The deleted section read, “He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life & liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating and carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither.” Jefferson’s criticisms of the British people and parliament were also removed. After it was approved, the declaration was rushed a few
blocks away to the printing shop of John Dunlap. Dunlap printed between 150 and 200 copies, which became known as the “Dunlap broadsides.” One copy was sent to George Washington, who had it read to his troops on July 9. On July 19, the Congress requested a handwritten copy so that all the delegates could sign it. Timothy Matlack, assistant to the secretary of Congress, was assigned to the task. The majority of the delegates actually signed the declaration on August 2, 1776, in geographic order of their colonies from north to south. Some delegates were not present and signed later, but two delegates never signed at all. On January 18, 1777, the Continental Congress decided that the declaration should be more widely distributed and commissioned that Mary
Katharine Goddard make a second printing. This version was the first printing to include all the signatures. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams in 1823 hired printer William J. Stone to make reproductions of the declaration that were basically identical to the original. Stone used a wet-ink transfer process, which meant that he had to moisten the surface
of the original declaration so that some of the original ink would transfer to a copper plate. The copper plate was then etched so the plate could be run off on a press. Because the original 1776 document was poorly conserved during the 19th century, Stone’s engraving is the most widely used for today’s duplications.
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Presidential myths: fact or fiction? Numerous myths and rumors circulate about American presidents. Learn the truth behind some of the most famous stories. •The teddy bear was named after Theodore Roosevelt. True. The teddy bear was inspired by a political cartoon of thenPresident Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt sparing a bear’s life during a hunting trip. The bear became the mascot for Roosevelt’s reelection campaign, and sales surged. A toymaker asked Roosevelt for permission to name the bear after him, and a toy legend was born. •As a boy, George Washington chopped down a cherry tree and then confessed the truth to his father. False. This famous myth was created by one of the first biographers of Washington, Mason Locke Weems. Weems was working on a book about Washington shortly after the president’s death, and since many details were not known about his early life, Weems sought to fill in the blanks himself. •George Washington had a set of false teeth made of wood. False. Washington actually had several sets of dentures, but none were made of wood. One set was made of gold and hippopotamus ivory and is now on display in the National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore. •President Zachary Taylor died after eating cherries and milk. True. Taylor became ill in 1850 after eating cherries and milk during a hot Fourth of July celebration in Washington, D.C. The 12th president died on July 9. It is believed that some of the food was contaminated by cholera, typhoid, or another type of bacteria. •President William Howard
Taft was so large that he had a specially-made bathtub installed to accommodate his size. True. The 6’2” Taft weighed over 300 pounds and could not fit in a standard tub. When a customized one was installed, four full-grown men (fully clothed) were able to pose inside it. •At a March 2002 presidential gala, George W. Bush waved excitedly to the blind singer Stevie Wonder. False. The Washington Post reported this story, but no one sitting near the president remembered the incident, and the videotape of the banquet simply showed Bush smiling and raising his open hand to someone. •Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope during the train ride from Washington, D.C., to Gettysburg. False. Lincoln was known for working on his speeches carefully, and it is reported that the Gettysburg Address was no different. Lincoln certainly made revisions to the text after arriving in Gettysburg, but the train ride would have been too bumpy for any writing. •Thousands of German citizens laughed at John F. Kennedy during a 1963 speech at the Berlin Wall when he said, “Ich sin ein Berliner,” which translates to “I am a jelly doughnut.” False. A professional interpreter translated “I am a Berliner” to “Ich sin ein Berliner” so that Kennedy could express his love for the people of the city. However, Berliner is also a word that can refer to a type of pastry, so a rumor quickly circulated that this is what Kennedy had said. •President Gerald Ford once worked as a fashion model. True. Ford appeared as a model alongside a girlfriend in Cos-
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!
mopolitan and Look magazines in the early 1940s. In 1948, he married Betty Bloomer Warren, who had also worked as a fashion model. •Harry Truman’s middle
name was simply the letter “S.” True. Truman’s parents named him Harry after a maternal uncle. The letter “S” was cho-
sen as the middle initial because both grandfathers had a name starting with the letter. Information gathered from www.encarta.msn.com.
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by J.D. Clark On the Fourth of July, flags are certain to be seen in almost every imaginable location. Many people, however, do not know proper flag etiquette. The following information comes from www.usflag.org: •The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal. •The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speaker’s desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white, and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top. •The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard. •The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except the flag patch that may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. •The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind. •The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything. •When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously. •The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. •When a flag is so worn it
is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct a dignified flag burning ceremony, often on Flag Day, June •Many Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Girl Scout Troops retire flags regularly as well. Contact your local American Legion Hall or Scout Troop to inquire about this service. Displaying the Flag Outdoors •When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting from a window, balcony, or a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. •When it is displayed from the same flagpole with another flag- of a state, community, society, or Scout unit- the flag of the United States must always be at the top except that the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for Navy personnel when conducted by a Naval chaplain on a ship at sea. •When the flag is displayed over a street, it should be hung vertically, with the union to the north or east. If the flag is suspended over a sidewalk, the flag’s union should be farthest from the building. •When flown with flags of states, communities, or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor, to its own right. •The other flags may be smaller but none may be larger. •No other flag ever should be placed above it. •The flag of the United States is always the first flag raised and the last to be lowered. •When flown with the na-
tional banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. The flag of one nation may not be displayed above that of another nation. Raising and Lowering the Flag •The flag should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset. It should be illuminated if displayed at night. •The flag of the United States of America is saluted as it is hoisted and lowered. The salute is held until the flag is unsnapped from the halyard or through the last note of music, whichever is the longest. Displaying the Flag Indoors •When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left. •The flag of the United States of America should be at
the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states, localities, or societies are grouped for display. •When one flag is used with the flag of the United States and the staffs are crossed, the flag of the United States is placed on its own right with its staff in front of the other flag. •When displaying the flag against a wall, vertically or horizontally, the flag’s union (stars) should be at the top, to the flag’s own right, and to the observer’s left. Parading and Saluting the Flag •When carried in a procession, the flag should be to the right of the marchers. When other flags are carried, the flag of the United States may be centered in front of the others or carried to the right. When the flag passes in a procession, or when it is hoisted or lowered, all should face the flag and salute. The Salute •To salute, all persons come to attention. Those in uniform give the appropriate formal salute. Citizens not in uniform salute by placing their right
hand over the heart and men with head cover should remove it and hold it to the left shoulder, hand over the heart. Members of organizations in formation salute upon command of the person in charge. The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem •The pledge of allegiance should be rendered by standing at attention, facing the flag, and saluting. •When the national anthem is played or sung, citizens should stand at attention and salute at the first note and hold the salute through the last note. The salute is directed to the flag, if displayed, otherwise to the music.
Jefferson: An American Icon by Whitney Blaylock One of the most famous patriots and architects of American government is Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 and lived until July 4, 1826. He was the third President of the United States and served from 1801 to 1809. He served one term as vice president under John Adams before the 1800 election. Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson, along with James Madison, founded the Democratic-Republican Party in 1792. Its members identified the party as the Jeffersonians. During his life he studied many different things. He was considered a horticulturist, statesman, architect, archaeologist, paleontologist, author and inventor. He also founded the University of Virginia in 1819. Jefferson was one of only two people who served as Secretary of State, Vice President and President.
A monument in Washington, D.C., was dedicated to Jefferson on the 200th anniversary of his birth in 1943. The monument includes a 19-foot statue of Jefferson and engravings from his writings. Jefferson’s face can also be found in the stone at the Mount Rushmore Memorial, the twodollar bill, and the nickel. Jefferson died in his home on July 4, 1826, just hours before the passing of John Adams. It was 50 years to the day since the adoption of the Decalaration of Independence.
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United States Constitutional Highlights by Staff Most Americans know what the Constitution is, but how many of us remember what it says? This article is designed to a be a quick refresher on what is considered to be one of history’s most important documents. Some highlights of the United States Constitution include the preamble, articles creating the three branches of government, and the Bill of Rights. While the preamble of the constitution does not confer any power, the first seven words describe to whom the power of the government really belongs. “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America,” states the Preamble. The first three articles set up the separation of powers by establishing the three branches of government. Congress, the Executive Branch and the Judiciary are the three branches of government that were established all those years ago so there would be a check system, keeping each department from overstepping boundaries. The fourth article provides for admission of additional states and guarantees that each state may have a republican form of government. The fifth article allows for amendments to the constitution. Many of the 26 amendments were brought into effect by Supreme Court decisions, but the first ten were instated within two years of the signing of the federal Constitution, and are called the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment guarantees freedom: freedom of worship, speech, the press, assembly, and of petition to the government for redressing of grievances. The Second
Amendment allows citizens to openly bear arms. The Third Amendment allows citizens freedom from quartering soldiers in a house without the owner’s consent, and the Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable search and seizure. The Fifth Amendment states no person shall be held for a “capital or otherwise infamous crime” without proper indictment, face double jeopardy for the same offense, testify against himself, or “be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.” The right of a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in criminal proceedings is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, and the Seventh Amendment states individuals have the right of trial by jury in almost all common-law suits. The Eighth Amendment disallows excessive bail, fines and “cruel and unusual” punishment, and the Ninth Amendment states “The enumeration in the Constitution of certain
rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people,” states the Tenth Amendment. Other noteworthy Amend-
ments are the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, which abolished slavery, guaranteed civil rights and suffrage to citizens, including former slaves. Income tax was authorized by the Sixteenth Amendment, and the Eighteenth Amendment established prohibition. Prohibition was then repealed
by the Twenty-first Amendment. Woman suffrage was granted by the Nineteenth Amendment, and poll taxes and other taxes that were voting requirements were abolished by the Twenty-fourth Amendment. The Twentysixth Amendment lowered the voting age to 18 years old.
The clothing fashions of 1776 by Staff In 1776 clothing styles were much different and much more restricitve, especially for women and children. According to the website www.history.org, men of the time wore white linen shirts that had loose fitting sleeves and had tails that fell about the knees. Breeches were worn and the tails of the shirt tucked into them. Breeches are like pants that are tight fitting and end just below the knee. Men wore knitted stockings, and shoes that were not formed into left and right until worn by the user. To top off the ensemble, men wore a waistcoat or vest and a three-cornered hat. Women of the age wore shifts which is the basic equivelant of a slip today. The shift would have puffed sleeves and would sometimes
be trimmed in lace. Over the shift was a stay. Stays were used to keep the body in good posture and were made of linen and whale bone. Hoops were placed around the waist and hips to give a fuller appearance, and an average of eight petti coats were worn. The bodice was the most decorative part of the gown, usuallly made of a color or print, and trimmed in lace with an attached skirt. The cap worn on the head completed the ensemble and eliminated the need to tidy the hair. Children at this time had just begun to have their own style of clothes. Up until this point children wore smaller versions of adult clothing that were very restrictive. Bed gowns were worn until the age of four by boys and age eight by girls. At about eighteen months of age a child would be put in a stay to help their pos-
ture while learning to walk. At the age of four the stay was removed from a boy, girls wore them the rest of their lives. At four a boy would be given his
first pair of breeches, and in some occasions a party would be thrown to celebrate the end of his childhood.
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FUN FOURTH FACTS 1. 150 million—that’s the number of hot dogs the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates will be consumed by Americans on the Fourth of July. 2. In July 1776, there were an estimated 2.5 million individuals living in the colonies. Now , 230 years later, the estimated total American population is at nearly 296.5 million. 3. In 1870, Independence Day became an unpaid holiday for federal employees The United States Congress changed the date to a paid holiday in 1941.
The White House: America’s Castle by Whitney Blaylock On October 13, 1792, construction of the White House began. It was intended to be the official residence and Executive Office of the President of the United States. James Hoban was selected as the architect of the White House over nine other architects, including Thomas Jefferson. Although his design was chosen, Washington chose to enlarge the house by thirty percent and add a large reception hall. The mansion, made of
white-painted Aquia sandstone, was built at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in the newly established federal city, Washington, D.C. It was finished just in time for the 1800 election, in which John Adams was chosen to be the second U.S. President. Each president since Adams has lived in the White House. It has been expanded many times, beginning in 1801. In order to conceal storage, Thomas Jefferson and an architect friend, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, expanded the building
Madison: The Last Founding Father
4. The United States national anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” is set to the tune of an old English drinking song, “To Anacreon in Heaven.” by Whitney Blaylock James Madison, one of the 5. Congress did not adopt Uncle Sam as a national symbol most important players in early until 1961, even though he was used to support the war times American government, is also as early as 1812. on of the least-known. Madison was born on 6. The U.S. flag should be displayed only from sunrise to March 16, 1751 and lived unsunset unless the flag is illuminated. til June 28, 1836. Madison was the fifth Sec7. When the American flag is displayed on the same flag- retary of State for the United pole as another flag, like a state, city or community flag, the States. He held that position American flag must always be on top. from May 2, 1801 to March 3, 1809. He was then elected to 8. The world’s first firecracker was made by roasting bam- be the fourth President of the boo to produce the loud popping sounds to frighten away United States. He served two evil spirits in ancient China during the Han Dynasty (206 terms in office. B.C. - A.D. 220). While in the House of Representatives, he worked with 9. For the fourth of July in 1778, General George Washing- George Washington to orgaton celebrated the new holiday by giving his soldiers a double nize the new federal governration of rum for the day and an artillery salute. ment. In opposition of the Feder10. John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declara- alists, Madison and Thomas tion of Independence and his signature is larger and in the Jefferson organized the Democenter of page because he was president of the Congress at cratic-Republican Party, also the time. All the other members signed by state delegation known as the Jeffersonians. across five columns ranging from the northernmost state to As Secretary of State, the southernmost. Madison supervised the Louisiana Purchase and sponsored 11. The Continental Congress voted for independence on the Embargo Act of 1807. July 2, 1776, and adopted the Declaration of Independence While in office, Madison two days later on the Fourth of July. led the U.S. into the War of 1812 against Great Britain. 12. There is one place in the entire United States named He also suffered the loss of “patriot” and that is Patriot, Indiana, with a population of two vice presidents and fin196. ished the last three years of his presidency without one. 13. In 1781, Massachusetts was the first legislature to recIn 1917, Madison retired ognize Independence Day. from office to his home in Virginia. His health was very 14. In 1779, July 4 fell on a Sunday, so the holiday was poor, and he was becoming celebrated on Monday, July 5. mentally unstable. (Information compiled from various online resources.) He spent the last years of his
life worrying about his legacy and took to changing information in letters and documents. At the age of seventy-eight Madison was chosen to appear at the Convention of 1829. Many say that this event pushed him into delusion and despair. Many counties, towns, cities and schools were named after James Madison, including James Madison University, James Madison Institution, and the Madison River. His face can be found on the five-thousand dollar bill. Madison died at his home in Virginia on June 28, 1836. Madison was the last founding father to die and is considered to be the “Father of the Constitution.”
creating two colonnades. The mansion was set on fire by the British Army in 1814 during the War of 1812. The interior was destroyed and the exterior walls were charred. Reconstruction on the White House was completed enough for President James Monroe to move in by 1817. By the end of the 1800s, the South and North Portico had been added to the mansion. In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt moved most work offices to the newly built West Wing due to over-crowding and before the end of the decade, William Howard Taft oversaw the building of the first Oval Office. By 1946, the third-floor attic had been converted into living quarters, and the East Wing was built to allow more office space. In 1948 the house’s exterior walls and internal wood beams were found to be failing. Under the watch of Harry Truman, interior rooms were dismantled, a new steel framework was constructed, and the interior rooms were reassembled. Today, the White House is made up of six stories including the Ground Floor, State Floor, Second Floor, Third Floor, and a two story basement. The White House is owned by the National Park Service. In 2007, the White House was ranked second on the American Institute of Architect’s “List of America’s Favorite Architecture.”
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Big Fourth Fest planned in Runaway Bay by J.D. Clark Spectators from across the county will soon travel to Runaway Bay to enjoy the community’s annual Fourth Fest, featuring a fireworks spectacular. This year’s festivities will take place on Friday, July 4, at the lakeside community. The day will begin with an 8:30 a.m. golf scramble at The Club at Runaway Bay to benefit the Runaway Bay Volunteer Fire Department. At 4:30 p.m., the action will shift over to the Norma Coble
Civic Center, located just off Highway 380 at 51 Runaway Bay Drive. At the civic center, visitors will find food, crafts, and entertainment. Children will enjoy activities such as the Lions Club train, bounce houses, and the National Guard rockclimbing wall. Meanwhile, patrons can catch some shade at the tables set up underneath tents. Raffle tickets are being sold for a riding lawn mower, a Redhead Deluxe .20 gauge shotgun, and a set of Warrior
Monticello: A Piece of American History by Whitney Blaylock Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, left behind one of the most beautiful homes in American history, Monticello. Designed by Jefferson himself, this neoclassical house is located on a summit in the Southwest Mountains in Vrigina. Monticello is Italian for “little mountain.” Work on the house began in 1768. During Jefferson’s travels in Europe in 1784, much of the house was completed. When he returned, he expanded the design of Monticello and incorporated features from Palladian buildings and ruins that he had seen overseas. The new expansion was put into action in 1796. Construction was completed in 1809 with the erection of the dome. Less than twenty years after the completion of Monticello, Jefferson passed away in 1826. The house was inherited by his oldest daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph. Monticello was sold several times and once temporarily seized by the Confederate government. The house was repaired and preserved, as it had begun to deteriorate while lawsuits for
the house were drawn out. Monticello was purchased by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in 1923 and was restored properly by architects. It is now used as a museum and educational institution. Visitors can view rooms in the cellar and ground floor. Monticello became the first and only private home in the United States to be designated a World Heritage Site. The original grounds of Jefferson’s University of Virginia are also included in the World Heritage Site designation. Monticello’s picture can be found on the U.S. nickel and also on the back of the twodollar bill before 1976.
Golf Clubs. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for five, and the tickets can be mixed and matched for all three prizes. Raffle tickets will be sold on-site but are also available now at Ken’s Appliances, One Stop, the Shell station, and the Pro Shop at The Club. Tickets may also be purchased by con-
tacting Bettye Parker with the Greater Runaway Bay Alliance at (940) 575-4754. A cake walk will take place at 6:00 p.m. and a parade featuring golf carts and antique cars will be held sometime before 9:00 p.m. The main attraction, of
course, is the annual fireworks show. This year’s show will begin 30 minutes after dusk, and according to Parker, the display “should be a good show.” Parker said organizers “doubled up” on the amount of fireworks purchased this year.
The American tradition that lights up the sky by Staff An American tradition that lights up the night’s sky in celebration of its nation’s freedom began nearly 2,500 years ago in eastern Asia. As early as the Han Dynasty of 206 BC in ancient China, fireworks have been in existence and have served as a vessel of celebration for many spectacular events across the globe. Roasting bamboo over an open fire made the world’s first firecracker, and the Chinese culture used them to ward off any evil spirits. By the 10th century, Taoist monks had developed the use of gunpowder into fireworks
and soon the Chinese were using them to celebrate every special event and occasion, including birthdays, weddings and New Year’s celebrations. In 1777 for the first Independence Day celebrations in America, American settlers brought with them fireworks and black powder that they used in the celebration. Twelve years later, a celebration of fireworks was also lighted in the sky at President George Washington’s inauguration. Today, China remains the largest exporter and manufacturer of fireworks. It is estimated that the United States will import more than $140
million worth of fireworks this year alone. In 2005, they shipped approximately 6 million cases to the United States. The largest fireworks show is held in Macau, China for five nights during September and October. Last year, over 90 international teams competed from countries such as China, Thailand, the Philippines, France and Australia to name a few. Started in 1989 with only five teams, the “Macau International Fireworks Display Contest” is held on the waterfront with two teams competing each night during the fiveweek long contest.
Fireworks a holiday staple by Whitney Blaylock Fireworks have been a part of Independence Day since the first anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1777, early Americans celebrated their independence quite like we do today. The Revolutionary War was raging on, and fireworks were used to ease worries and add a feeling of patriotism. Parades filled the streets along with music and red, white, and blue buntings. The Continental Congress held an official dinner, and speeches
were made. In the 1830s, the orange and white fireworks that Americans were accustomed to were reinvented by Italian fire masters. They discovered a way to make fireworks of all colors, making it possible for red, white, and blue bursts to fill the sky on Independence Day. Since the colonial days Americans have stepped up the use of fireworks on the Fourth of July. The largest gathering for Independence Day is America’s Freedom Festival at Provo in Utah. Each year the show includes a concert, a balloon launch, and the Stadium
of Fire. The Stadium of Fire is one of the main events at the Provo Freedom Festival and is known for breaking a world record (already held by itself) by blowing up over one million firecrackers at one time. Each year 50,000 people attend the show.
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John Adams: A political giant by Whitney Blaylock John Adams recently surged back to the forefront of American history thanks to a bestselling biography and an acclaimed television miniseries. Adams was born on October 30, 1735 and lived until July 4, 1826. He was America’s first Vice President after coming up second in the election against George Washington. He was elected as the second President of the United States in 1797. Adams was the first president to live in the newly-built White House located in Washington, D. C. Adams served as President of the United States for four years. During his term he dealt with many disputes over foreign policy. Britain and Frace were at war. The Quasi-War, an undeclared naval war between the US and France,
broke out in 1798. Adams was credited for raising taxes and building up the US Navy. He was also able to end the war with France through diplomacy. Adams ran for re-election in 1800 after the death of Washington. He lost to Thomas Jefferson by less than ten votes. Just over one year before the death of Adams, he watched his son, John Quincy Adams, become the sixth President of the United States. He was the only son of a former President to hold office until George Bush was elected in 2001. Adams died at his home on July 4, 1826. It was the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Indepence. His last words are recorded to have been about Thomas Jefferson, who died early that day unbeknownst to Adams.
Bridwell Publishing Co. Publisher: Keith Bridwell Editor: J.D.Clark Photo Editor: Jo Gilbreath Pagination Director & IT Tech: Francine West Reporters: J.D.Clark, Whitney Blaylock Front Cover Design by: Francine West Design & Layout by: Francine West
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