Monday, July 4, 2011

From Then Until Now by Pam Todd

Two hundred thirty-five years ago today, the Declaration of Independence was signed by our forefathers.  The story began in the early 1600s when settlers came from Europe, primarily England, to the shores of North America.  These brave travelers (for it took a long time to cross the Atlantic Ocean, and the conditions on the ships were more dreadful than any of us can imagine) created a settlement in 1620 at Jamestown, Virginia.  Many people died that first winter.  Had it not been for the Native Americans who lived in that area and taught the Pilgrims how to plant corn and squash, even more would not have survived. 

During the next 156 years, more and more people arrived, and colonies were established.  Everyone was under the rule of the King of England.  Eventually, the people grew tired of living under the King’s rules and of paying tax money to England, and they rebelled.  They declared their independence with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  However, they weren’t yet really free.  England sent soldiers to America to control the colonists.  The colonists fought back, and the Revolutionary War occurred, ending with victory by the colonists in 1783.   Only then were the 13 colonies free and independent.

As time passed, the land between the Mexican Territory and the Canadian Territory was divided  and the United States grew to 48 states.  With the addition of Alaska and Hawaii, we are now 50 states. 

The United States is a strong friend and ally to England, our original mother country. And for those of us Boomers on Etsy, there are many friendships between artists there and here, for which we are especially thankful.

Since that first July 4, citizens have celebrated our independence…….with picnics, parades, and fireworks.  The red, white, and blue colors of our flag are seen everywhere.  May we all pause and be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy as we celebrate the Fourth of July this year and every year.

In honor of the Fourth of July, here are some special selections from the shops of our Boomers and Beyond Etsy team.

yarrow1 www.yarrow1.etsy.com

tcpjewelry

www.tcpjewelry.etsy.com

stitchesbyjulie

www.stitchesbyjulie.etsy.com

thecreatorspalette

www.thecreatorspalette.etsy.com

meredithbead2

www.meredithbead2.etsy.com

dianasstainedglass

www.dianasstainedglass.etsy.com

jstinson

www.jstinson.etsy.com

sixsisters

www.sixsisters.etsy.com

fantasycreations1

www.fantasycreations1.etsy.com

chris1

www.chris1.etsy.com

allmycreations

www.allmycreations.etsy.com

3 comments:

Dayna said...

Great post Pam. Beautiful works ladies.

jstinson said...

Wonderful post and I am delighted that you included my earrings in this great tribute to our Independence. Mvto and Wado (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee)

Anonymous said...

LOve all of the items you selected for July 4th Pam.
Thank you for including my watercolor.