The 4th of July – the one holiday that Americans all love to celebrate. Why is it such an important holiday to us? What does it mean to you? Share your thoughts - Leave a comment on my web site. I would love to read what the 4th means you. Traditionally, Americans celebrate the 4th of July with picnics, barbeques, parades and fireworks. Does your community have another tradition?

In the meantime, I thought you might enjoy reading some rather obscure facts and trivia about 1776 and our fight for independence. Each day from now until the 4th I’ll post a little trivia. See if you can come up with the answer (no fair using anything but your good brain to get the answer) then post it on my site.

Here are a few to get us started:

1.) What was the location of a series of battles that became the turning point for the Revolutionary War?

- Trenton
- Saratoga
- Long Island
- Yorktown

2.) What did Paul Revere really say as he rode through Lexington Green?

On this date in 1776:

On July 1, 1776 The Continental Congress, sitting as a committee, met to debate a resolution submitted by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee on June 7. The resolution stated that the United Colonies "are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States." The committee voted for the motion and, on July 2 in formal session took the final vote for independence.

On July 1, 1776 The British fleet anchored off Sandy Hook in New York Bay.