Dear Reader:
Don’t we all get caught up annually with memories and personal feelings of what July 4 means to us … so much so that we forget there are interesting links and correlations between two historical dates ( July 2 and July 4 -one in 1776 and another, later, on July 2 in 1964?
But before we examine the highlights of two important historical events, one thing shared in common has to do with pens and signings. The draft of the Declaration of Independence ( with the final wording in place) was submitted on July 2 and at that time approval by the five man draft committee who finally agreed on all the edits and changes to date. On July 4 the Continental Congress approved the final version and signed…but it was August 2 , 1776 before completion.
Now July 2nd warrants its own historical recognition … Lyndon Johnson’s Civil Rights Act passage ( the ” Second Emancipation Proclamation . “) Lincoln freed the slaves but the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination on the basis of color, race, religion, sex, or national origin in public places. -Provided integration of schools and other public facilities-made employment discrimination illegal.
And now for the pens… Johnson took 72 pens with him for the formal signing … as a gift sake for all who were instrumental in getting the most sweeping civil rights legislation passed since Reconstruction.
It was already a memorable day for several reasons… nine years earlier…to the day-Johnson had suffered a heart attack that nearly ended his life… he felt he had been kept alive for this day when he signed the most far-reaching civil rights bill in our nation’s history.
And earlier that morning the President and Lady Bird had celebrated their daughter, Luci Baines Johnson’s, 17th birthday in the East Room with her favorite birthday cake!
Now the nation listened as Johnson spoke: … Let us pray for wise and understanding hearts. Let us lay aside irrelevant differences and make this nation whole.”
… The other pens went to the bi-partisan Congressmen who came together to pass this amazing life-altering legislation. President Johnson also gave one pen to Robert Kennedy in honor of his brother John’s initial civil rights endeavor … that he was working on before his assassination and other pens to famous civil rights leaders and activists.
***One pen went on auction and sold for several thousand dollars… wonder if the Founding Fathers…ever thought of selling keepsakes?
So until tomorrow…
Today is my favorite day… Winnie the Pooh
I think on July 2 1964… bi-lateral congressman came together and what they accomplished that day along with President Johnson and earlier the delegates to sign the Declaration of Independence… answered poet Mary Oliver’s famous question loud and clear…
Be safe and have a wonderful Fourth !
ichaseferalcats
John Turner
Legally Ohm
Becky Dingle
Hey Mrs. Dingle, it’s been a while! I have some time this morning and I just wanted to wish you a great celebration of the 4th of July! I think we should stop saying 4th of July and call it what it is, Independence Day! We don’t call Christmas the 25 of December, right? Today is Independence Day and we have been independent ever since. Look how far we have come! The road from the first Independence Day hasn’t been without bumps and potholes by any means, wars and internal strife have been overcome and we are still independent. I seriously believe we are at a crossroads now with all the political shenanigans we see everyday. Like watching Children play I got you last game on a grand scale! I pray everyday that we remain a Country bound to the Declaration of Independence our Constitution, we won’t last long on top if we move away from those papers known as the Constitution. Look at just how long what a group of geniuses put down on paper has served us! It’s only when we ignore the Constitution that we get in trouble. Let’s not forget that the Founding Fathers also tied God into those pages. We move away from the Constitution and without paying attention we move away from God and fall headlong in lawlessness, and we can’t survive in total lawlessness and the law has to be the same for everyone! So, what a day to start praying for our Country, today and pray we stay whole undivided, Governed by the Constitution, and pray all enemies foreign and domestic be dealt the full force of the Law and we remain one nation under God indivisible by no one or group, we must stand United and stay independent until the end of all times!
Have a Great Independence Day!
Johnny… you are right… Independence Day it is and time to reunite together to fight for our inalienable rights for a healthy life-how can we pursue happiness when we fear for loss of not only democracy , for fear of medical bills that bankrupt more families than ever… secure rights to good health that should be an inalienable right… as wealthy as our country is…our priorities should not be askew when it comes to equality of life opportunities for all! Happy Independence Day Johnny! 💗🍉🥳
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Thank you for sharing the history and your thoughts today. I love the pictures you shared and quotes. I look forward to reading your words daily and appreciate all you do for others. Happy 4th of July!
Thank you so much Beth! My day just hot warmer in my heart …not hotter than a … well today in July! 😂
Hope you have a memorable Fourth! 🥳🤗
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