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HAPPY 4th of JULY !

First published here on July 4, 2006:

"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. Congress approved the wording of the Declaration on July 4 and then sent it to the printer.

In 1776, John Adams declared, "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."[3]

[3] Letter to Abigail Adams," quoting Wikipedia.

The Declaration of Independence
From The Boston Globe, July 4, 2008.

UPDATE: July 4, 2012
- "10 products America makes best"
"The oft-repeated story of the demise of US manufacturing overlooks an important point: The lowest price isn't the only factor motivating consumers," by Alex Brokaw, Minyanville.
Read more

- "Things no longer made in America"
By Forest in The Random Forest.
Read more