— Fourth of July —

July 4, 2006 – Today is Independence Day. Many people believe the holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They would be wrong. Not one signature was applied to the document on that date. (In fact, the final signature wasn't added until 1781.) However, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. And that, my friends, is the foundation of our holiday.

Independence Day is one of the few major American holidays that is assigned a static date on our calendar. Halloween, Christmas, and New Years also enjoy the privilege. By contrast, holidays such as Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving move around from year to year. Some have suggested that Independence Day's annual calendar (observed) date should be flexible to enable Americans to enjoy a long holiday weekend during the first week of July.

Right, sure, uh-huh, you-bet-cha and yes-siree.

It will never happen. The Fourth of July is, after all, "America's Birthday" and birthdays can't move around. My goodness, that would be, well, un-American. Don't you think?

At any rate, I hope you all enjoy your day no matter how you choose to celebrate. Happy Fourth!

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