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July 4th Greetings from Zhang & Associates, P.C. Katy Preston The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Declaration of Independence unanimously proclaimed the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain. Written chiefly by Thomas Jefferson, its text invokes concepts of natural law and self-determination that were originally developed by English philosopher John Locke -- most famously, the “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” shared by all human beings. Over the years, the Fourth of July has become a celebration of much more than the Declaration of Independence alone; it is now a celebration of American history, values, and traditions, particularly the social, religious, and political liberties that are endowed to all U.S. citizens and residents. The Fourth of July was first recognized as an official holiday in the state of Massachusetts in 1781; however, traditions of celebrating the Fourth of July date all the way back to the year 1777. In modern American culture, the Fourth of July is most prominently associated with outdoor activities such as barbecues, picnics, and, of course, fireworks. However, there is also a consistent tradition of celebrating new U.S. residents and citizens on Independence Day. In 1915, Kansas City, Missouri celebrated what was called “Americanization Day” as 220 brand new U.S. citizens sung patriotic songs. On July 4, 2003, 433 individuals from 70 different countries publicly received U.S. citizenship, and in 2005, a number of newly sworn in U.S. citizens recited the Pledge of Allegiance aboard the U.S.S. Constitution in Boston Harbor. Indeed, the Fourth of July is an occasion to celebrate many aspects of American culture, including the United States’ unique history of immigration. What was originally known throughout Europe as the New World has since become a diverse and independent country with its own individual culture and history. Without immigrants from virtually every part of the world, this country could never exist in its current form, a reality that we at Zhang & Associates recognize through our efforts to help our clients participate in this longstanding American tradition. On July 4, 1942, Franklin D. Roosevelt identified Independence Day as a symbol of “the assurance of the right to liberty . . . for all peoples and races and groups and nations, everywhere in the world.” In accordance with this message, we at Zhang & Associates would like to wish our clients a happy Fourth of July and to offer them our unrelenting support in the vital contributions that they continue to make to the United States of America. Sources: The Washington File, Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State (http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=May&x=20060628141729JMnamdeirF0.745434) --------------- In the moment of dynamics, our clients can always count on us. Houston: 7324 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1088, Houston, TX 77074 (06/30/2007) For more immigration news, please click here |
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