THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.  That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.  That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

The Declaration of Independence is the document in which the American Colonies declared their independence from British rule.  The Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the birthday of America.

The Declaration of Independence ranks as one of the greatest documents in human history.  It eloquently expressed the colonies' reasons for proclaiming their freedom.  The document blamed the British government for many abuses.  But it also stated that all people have certain rights, including the right to change or overthrow any government that denies them their rights.  The ideas expressed so majestically in the Declaration have long inspired freedom-loving people throughout the world.

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution in Congress  "That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States..."  On June 10, Congress voted to name a committee to write a declaration of independence for the delegates to consider in case they adopted Lee's resolution.  Jefferson's associates on the committee asked him to draft the declaration.  Jefferson completed the task in about two weeks.

On July 2, Congress approved the Lee resolution.  On July 4, after a few passages were removed, Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.  The Declaration, signed by John Hancock as president of Congress, was promptly printed.  It was read to a crowd in the State House yard (Independence Hall) on July 8.  Amid the celebration, the Liberty Bell tolled, heralding the birth of a new nation.  On July 19, Congress ordered the Declaration of Independence to be written in an eloquent script and on parchment.  Congress also ordered that all its members sign the copy.  Eventually, 56 members of Congress signed.

BETSY  ROSS  STORY

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