{7.} Independence

[studentrobin]

I have known for a long time that July Fourth was a national holiday in America, but I have never celebrated it, as I have spent most of my life in Europe or Japan. From what I can discern, the Declaration of Independence was signed by Congress on August 2nd. So why is this holiday celebrated today

Comments

[porcelinaofvast]

"In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States."

From Wikipedia. Hope that helps explain a little more.

[studentrobin]

Well, it does.. except that the Declaration of Independence was actually adopted on August 2nd. But thank you for the information.

[porcelinaofvast]

I never was much of a history buff, even when it comes to my home country. I just go on what the books [or Wiki in this case?] tell me, mostly.

[studentrobin]

Well, I was unsure at first: I did not deign to believe that I was right where years of tradition were wrong. However, I did remember learning it, and Wikipedia and several other sources have confirmed that I was correct.

[porcelinaofvast]

Who knows what it's really all about, then. Or why we really celebrate it. I just know that it sometimes ends up giving us a long weekend, and that people tend to have bbqs and fireworks, right?

I'm not much for either of those, so it's just another day to me.. I guess I'm a bit unpatriotic..

[studentrobin]

I am not particularly patriotic myself, although in may case that nonexistent patriotism would be towards Italy, I suppose. I agree with you in that I am not interested in outdoor cooking or pyrotechnics.

You seem an interesting and intelligent person.

[porcelinaofvast]

Italy, really? I was just telling Duo earlier today that I'd love to see Europe one day.

R-Really? I uhm.. well, I like to think I am. You are, too!

[studentrobin]

Yes. I lived there most of my life.

Ah, yes. I do not know Duo very well, though his boyfriend has made my acquaintance.

Thank you. What is your name?

[porcelinaofvast]

Lucky. I lived in a podunk little town in southern Maine..

I'm slowly getting to know him, he seems really nice. And I haven't met his boyfriend yet, but I've heard a lot about him from Duo. He's in England, right?

Tatum Donnelly. Physiology major, anatomy minor, sophomore.

[studentrobin]

Ah. I have not spent much time in the United States, and when I did, it was in New York State, at a very, very young age. Only a few months, though, but I believe that is not far from Maine.

Luxord is an interesting person. We met soon after I came here, and he beat me soundly at chess. Yes, Duo said in his journal that he is in England for a week or two, at behest of his father, I believe.

Robin Sena. Freshman, Sociology major, Comparative Literature minor. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Tatum.

[porcelinaofvast]

We're not too far from New York, nope. Though I've never actually been outside of my state until now.. hell, hardly outside of my town. My mother was from Ireland, and we always planned to go, but money was never really available with three young kids in the house.

Lucky guy. I hope his dad is okay, though.

It's a pleasure to meet you too, Robin. My partner is a journalism major, so she might be in some of your minor classes, with the literature and whatnot.