The Fourth of July is celebrated nationwide in remembrance of our independence from Great Britain long ago, back in 1776. Still to this day we celebrate July 4 with the pomp and circumstance John Adams described to his wife with parades, fireworks and family reunions. Regardless of how this special holiday is celebrated we need to remember the reason behind Independence Day and what led up to the signing of the declaration.
In 1764, British Parliament started imposing taxes to bring revenue to Great Britain from the North American colonies. These taxes also brought restrictions to colonists’ freedoms. During this time, there was no such thing as freedom of religion or speech, and one of the requirements from the king was to give shelter to any British soldier that came to a colonist’s home.
All of these taxes and restrictions led to an uprising of the colonists tired of being bullied from a king that was across the ocean. From this tyranny the Sons of Liberty formed to intimidate the taxing agents and British troops, resulting in the famous saying, “No taxation without representation.”
The Revolutionary War started in 1775 when American militiamen rescued Paul Revere from captivity after his ride to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that the British were coming. During this confrontation with British troops at Concord, a gun was discharged and this became known as the shot heard around the world, beginning the Revolutionary War.
Bunker Hill followed on June 12, where Americans were outnumbered by British troops. This loss led to the Continental Congress sending an Olive Branch Petition to the king wanting to reconcile and prevent further hostility against the colonies. King George III rejected the petition and declared the colonies in rebellion.
In June of the next year, Congress met at what is today called Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. Richard Henry Lee from Virginia made a motion for the colonies to declare independence. The motion for independence was postponed and given to a five-man committee to draft a statement justifying the break from their sovereign country. On July 4 the declaration, written by Thomas Jefferson, was adopted by Congress and later signed in August and shipped overseas to the king.
Almost a decade after the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Revolutionary War came to an end. The Treaty of Paris was signed in September of 1783, ending the war.
Our nation has evolved and grown since our country’s first birthday, but 240 years later we still abide by the same constitution written by our forefathers.
As always, please contact me with questions or input at 317-234-3827 or by email at h67@iga.in.gov. I appreciate hearing from members of the community in order to better represent our district. Stay up-to-date with the work being done at the Statehouse by signing up to receive my email updates at www.iga.in.gov/h67. Happy Fourth of July!
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Rep. Frye (R-Greensburg) represents Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties, as well as portions of Decatur, Jennings, Jefferson and Dearborn counties.
A high-resolution photo of Frye can be downloaded by clicking here.
