As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States, The Voice is proud to join in honoring this historic milestone throughout the month of July. Each weekly edition will feature special content highlighting the people, places and events that have shaped our nation's story over the past 250 years.
From America's founding to the local contributions that reflect our shared heritage, we invite readers to celebrate this landmark anniversary with us all month long.
The 13 American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain after years of growing tensions over taxation without representation, limits on self-government and other grievances against King George III. Seeking self-governance and the ability to establish foreign alliances, the colonies formally adopted the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the document, which was revised by the Second Continental Congress before being approved. Fifty-six delegates signed the Declaration, which was adopted on July 4, 1776.
The Declaration states “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.”
Two hundred fifty years later, Americans continue to celebrate those ideals. As communities across the United States commemorate the nation's semiquincentennial this July, The Voice will join the celebration with special historical features throughout the month and a $250 cash giveaway.
