The Second Continental Congress voted to pursue independence with the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776. The resolution, little remembered these days, read: “Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
“That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign alliances.
“That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.”
Twelve of the 13 colonies voted for the resolution, with only the New York delegation abstaining because they had not received direct instructions from their legislature to pursue independence.
In a letter to his wife Abigail Adams, Massachusetts representative John Adams, who would later become the second president of the United States, wrote, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch 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 forever more.”
After the July 2 resolution, the Second Continental Congress directed Adams, Virginia representative Thomas Jefferson, Pennsylvania representative Benjamin Franklin, Connecticut representative Roger Sherman and New York representative Robert Livingston to draft what became the Declaration of Independence, approved on July 4, 1776. It was this document that became the instrument of America’s annual celebrations.
This year, communities around the Verde Valley offer a host of events to celebrate our nation’s 243rd birthday on Thursday, July 4.
The Sedona Parks and Recreation Department holds its third annual Wet Fest from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sedona Community Pool at 570 Posse Grounds Road.
The free event will feature a live DJ, swimming, water slides, face painting and food for sale. New this year is a 40-foot high, 100-foot long Purple Monster water slide.
Clarkdale’s Independence Day celebrations start with a Raising of the Colors at the Clarkdale Town Park presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7400 at 7 a.m., followed by a pancake breakfast hosted by the Clarkdale Police Department and Verde Valley Fire District and live music.
At 7:30 a.m., VVFD will host free fire truck rides at 10th and Main Street and the Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum will host an Ice Cream Social.
Clarkdale-Jerome School will begin children’s games at 8 a.m. Registration begins for the parade at 8:15. At 9 a.m., the main event, the annual 4th of July parade, will begin at Clarkdale-Jerome School and march down Main Street to Clarkdale Town Hall. The Cottonwood Community Band will give a live performance at Town Park, and parade winners will be announced at the gazebo.
The city of Cottonwood will be holding its 20th annual Fantastic Family 4th of July at the Cottonwood Kid’s Park off of S. 12th Street from 4 to 9:30 p.m.
The Cottonwood VFW chapter will hold a patriotic salute to all branches of the armed services in the afternoon.
From 4 to 6 p.m., the city offers free hot dogs and watermelon and a fireworks display begins at 8:45 p.m.
For festivities in Camp Verde, the Stargazer Pavilion at Cliff Castle Casino hosts a Family Fun Picnic from 4 to 9 p.m. Attendees will be treated to one free hot dog, chips and a drink, while kids can enjoy an inflatable bounce house obstacle course, carnival games, and face painting. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Many of the events overlap, so Verde Valley residents can attend more than one before watching fireworks over Cottonwood and Camp Verde in the event.
We invite all to celebrate our nation’s independence.
— Christopher Fox Graham
Managing Editor
