Happy 4th

The Declaration of Independence

 The original Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.



Independence Hall played an important part in the history of our country.

In front of the building stands a statute of George Washington, the father of our country.

When we visited in November of 2011, Independence Hall was undergoing renovations.

The weather vane on top had already been refurbished and was quite eye-catching.

Inside is the Assembly Room where George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in 1775 and the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4,1776.  In the same room the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777, the Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781, and the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787.

 May our flag long fly over the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land

On the 4th of July we celebrate the birth of our country.  We visited Philadelphia November 1, 2011, and I took these images of some of the symbols of the United States.

"Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land"

Liberty Bell

"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...."

Declaration of Independence

"We the People of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and ensure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America."

United States Constitution Preamble

The United States Flag

Flying at Independence Hall, Philadelphia

Into the Fold

Happy Fourth of July!

 Since it's very hot in most of the country (alas, in Fairbanks we're having cloudy and rainy weather), I thought one of the icy sculptures from our Ice Park would be a nice change.  The sculpture was done in 2009 as part of the single block competition.  It was entitled Into the Fold and was carved by Jim Warner and Alan Armbruster.  I like the nighttime version under colored lights, but you can see more of the detail in the daytime. 

I really like how they incorporated both the flag and the eagle in the sculpture.