Items Included in The 4th of July Declaration Kit

Unsigned Declaration of Independence- The group of individuals appointed by the 2nd Continental Congress to write the Declaration of Independence was referred to as the "Committee of Five" and included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert L. Livingston. Thomas Jefferson was selected by the committee to write the first draft. It took him seventeen days. After minor changes and revisions were made, the committee presented the final version to congress on June 28, 1776. The first and only person to sign the document on July 4th, when declaration was adopted, was John Hancock. The remaining fifty-four delegates signed on August 2nd, and in doing so were considered traitors by the King of England. Today we remember them as our country's first defenders of freedom.

I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance. -John Adams

Liberty Bell- Originally called the "State House Bell," the abolitionists of slavery changed its name to "Liberty Bell" when they adopted it as a symbol of their movement to end slavery. The Bell's inscription reads: "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." It became associated with the Declaration of Independence when George Lippard wrote a fictional story for The Saturday Currier about an old bellman who, upon receiving word from a young boy who overheard outside the doors of congress that independence had been declared, rang the bell for all of Philadelphia to hear. The bell was last rung on George Washington's birthday in 1846.

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

American Flag- "Old Glory" has been a symbol of freedom and justice for 235 years, and every part of its design has significance. The thirteen stripes represent the thirteen original colonies, and the fifty stars represent each of the states of the United States of America. The color red is for valor and hardiness; white is for innocence and purity; and blue is for vigilance, perseverance and justice. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag for the United States of America. Until this time, common people were not allowed to own a flag. This is still true for some countries today whose citizens are not allowed to own or fly their national flag, so display yours with pride!

"My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!" -Thomas Jefferson

Chocolate Coins- The American quarter most of us are familiar with today was originally minted in 1932, in honor of the bicentennial of Washington's birth. A tastier version of the George Washington quarter, these chocolate coins state the American Trinity: Liberty, In God We Trust, and E Pluribus Unum (which means in Latin: from many, one.)

Where liberty dwells, there is my country. -Benjamin Franklin
Ceremony Items Not Included:

Red, White, and Blue Snack (Berries with Whipped Cream work well)
Salty Snack (Pretzels or Saltines will do)
Iced Tea