Happy Independence Day
June 30th, 2009
It’s almost the 4th of July weekend! It’s a day when we display our American flag extra proudly, have barbaques and spend time with family and friends. In the 1970’s, while living in my first house, I remember I had a large American flag hanging in my den, behind my sofa. I loved how it gave my room the look of Americana. Today I have a very special one, framed and hanging in my center hall. It’s the first flag my parents bought when they were married in 1940. It has 48 stars.
Did you know that Independence Day is the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence, but was not declared a legal holiday until 1941. Our dear Betsy Ross has never been confirmed historically as the one that sewed the first American flag.
Delewareans are very proud of Caesar Rodney, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and President of Delaware from December 1777 to November 1781. Like Paul Revere, Rodney is famous for his midnight ride. Rodney’s ride ended at the doorstep of Independence Hall where he cast the decisive Delaware vote for Independence. On June 30th, a motion for independance had been put forward with 9 colonies voting for it, 2 voting against, New York abstaining while the Delaware delegates split their vote. Delaware delegates Thomas McKean was in favor, while George Read voted against. Rodney was also a delegate but was away from Congress because of his role as Brigadier General in the Delaware militia. Word got to Rodney that his vote for independence was desperately needed. All night he rode by horseback, 80 miles through a thunderstorm. He arrived in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall just in time to cast the decisive vote.
John Adams didn’t seem to be the best looking man on the planet, but he described Caesar Rodney as “..the oddest looking man in the world; he is tall, thin and slender as a reed, pale; his face is not bigger than a large apple, yet there is sense and fire, spirit, wit and humor in this countenance.” Large apple? LOL
So we’ll be going to Rehoboth this week. Friday is our 47th wedding anniversary. Where did those years go!
The little “firecracker” print dress and red shoes will be for sale in Carole’s Country Store.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July.
HAPPY DAY
Carole