Since the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, this date has become the most important holiday in our country.
The first official state celebration of the Fourth of July was recognized by the Massachusetts legislature in 1781. Boston was the first municipality to officially designate the Fourth of July as a holiday in 1783. It is a day of rejoicing, especially for us immigrants who have come to the country in search of the freedom we lost in ours. It is a day to thank those who for 241 years have maintained it as the pillar of democracy and a refuge for those who wish to make it their homeland.
We believe that the phrase “Americans by Choice” is very appropriate and has a very special meaning on this day. We choose to live in the United States because few countries in the world allow us the freedom to criticize it and love it at the same time.
This country has faults and we must all work together to correct them, and in the midst of differences, we also join in the celebrations. No other country respects differences of opinion the way we do here.
The Fourth of July, take the time to get to know your country a little better. Take your children to the Freedom Trail in Boston, a 2.5-mile, red-lined route through downtown Boston, Massachusetts, the Cradle of Liberty which passes through 16 significant sites for the history of the United States. Learn about its history and you will understand why millions have chosen to live here.
