I would like the general public to remember what the holiday on July 4th is really all about. It's not about cookouts, parades, or fireworks. It's about "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." That is why we should not "Celebrate the 4th"; instead, we should "Celebrate Independence Day" as our Founding Fathers called it.

 The Founding Fathers of this great country voted for independence from the British government on July 2, 1776. The Declaration of Independence is a written explanation to their fellow colonists as to why the Continental Congress had voted this way. This document was formerly adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776, but it was not signed until August 2, 1776. 

 I am inviting the public to participate in reading the Declaration of Independence at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4th at the WWI Dough Boy memorial statue in the Bicentennial Green in front of the old Stone Bridge in Tiverton. We all need to remember why we enjoy the freedom we have in this country, and know the reasons why Congress declared our independence as a separate country from Britain.

 I will have a limited supply of Declarations available to read from, so "we the people" can take turns in reading aloud this important founding document (don't forget your reading glasses!), but you are welcome to bring your own copy. I hope you will share your experience at this public reading with others who did not attend — and why it is called Independence Day. This event takes about 30 minutes or less, but it may be the most important 30 minutes of the day. Then you can go to your cookouts, parades, and fireworks this weekend knowing why it is such a great American holiday.

Remember, every country has a 4th of July, but only in America is it Independence Day.

Susan Anderson

Tiverton