June 1776-Admitting there was no Solution, a committee was formed to compose the formal Declaration of Independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman.

June 28, 1776- Jefferson presents the first draft of the declaration to congress.

July 4, 1776- After various changes to Jefferson’ s original draft, a vote was taken late in the afternoon of July 4th. Of the 13 colonies, 9 voted in favor of the Declaration; 2, Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted No; Delaware was undecided and New York abstained. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. It is said that he signed his name“ with a great flourish” so“ King George can read that without spectacles!”

July 6, 1776- The Pennsylvania Evening Post is the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence.

July 8, 1776- The first public reading of the declaration takes place in Philadelphia’ s Independence Square. The bell in Independence Hall, then known as the“ Province Bell” would later be renamed the“ Liberty Bell” after its inscription“ Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof.“ Fourth of July”.

August 1776- The task begun on July 4, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, was not actually completed until August. Nonetheless, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence from Britain.

July 4, 1777- The first Independence Day celebration takes place. It’ s interesting to speculate what those first 4th festivities were like. By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were firmly established as part

of American Independence Day culture.

The 4th of July was not declared a national holiday until 1941.

HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN THROUGHOUT BOOK A Fresh Taste Of The Delaware Bay.......................................... pg. 15 Grace in the Face of Tragedy: Gehrig’ s Iconic July 4th Speech. pg. 18 Turn it Down: Why Earbuds pose a bigger risk to your hearing.. pg. 20 Sidewalk Chalk competition........................................................ pg. 22 Patios more Popular than Decks................................................ pg. 23 Sports Card, Toys, Comics & Collectibles July Show................. pg. 51 4th of July Boardwalk Craft Show.............................................. pg. 26 WW Independence Day Family Parade.................................... pg. 27 Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on the Boardwalk........... pg 29 7-6 Cape May Independence Day Parade.................................. pg. 30 7-6 Wildwood Aerial Drone Show – FREE.................................... pg. 31 Fire Features for Outdoor Living Areas...................................... pg. 33 The Art of Catch & Release........................................................ pg. 35

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