America Celebrates Its Independence

America Celebrates Its Independence

Reported By RET C.Brock July 4, 2020

Image credit: U.S. Army

Today our nation celebrates Independence Day, marking 244 years of sovereignty and freedom.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence, freeing the 13 Colonies from British rule and uniting them into a nation.

With the establishment of the United States of America, the Continental Army and state militia were reorganized as the United States Army. Those first American Soldiers provided the strength needed to guarantee our independence in the face of repeated British attempts to deny it.

Remembering those early lessons, the Army has stood ready to preserve and defend our country and its freedoms ever since.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Customs and traditions abound in our annual celebration of independence. What began over two centuries ago as a day of patriotic songs and 13-gun salutes has become synonymous with parades, picnics, barbecues, ball games, concerts and fireworks.

In spite of the global Covid-19 pandemic, Fort Stewart’s annual Marne Independence Day event will continue with social distancing precautions. Soldiers and authorized DOD ID holders will enjoy an evening of entertainment by the 3ID Rock Band on Donovan Field, followed by a fireworks show.

To learn more about the Declaration of Independence, visit the National Archives site: The Declaration of Independence: A History