MDC InterAmerican Campus

*July is the Celebration of* *United States Declaration of Independence Approval and Signing ( July 4, 1776 ).*

The Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress: “Signed by Order and in Behalf of the Congress, John Haccock, President, Attest, Charles Thomson, Secretary.” The official signing occurred August 2, 1776. The manuscripted journals of the Congress for that day state: “The declaration of independence being engrossed and compared at the table was signed by the members.”* Here is a selection of annotated websites to learn more about this celebration.

	This database was begun in 1995 by James Heintze, Librarian at American University , Washington , D.C. Its purpose is to bring together in one source selected examples of Fourth of July celebrations that have occurred throughout our nation's history from 1776 to 2003. The goal is to capture a slice of the American cultural tradition--its pageantry, spectacle, music, and symbol in order to enhance our understanding of the American character and heritage.

	Independence Day: America’s Birthday. This site offers great information for children. Brief and interesting, it states facts about this celebration such as its history, the liberty bell, other independence celebrations in July “around the world,” etc.

	Celebrations for the 4 th of July in/around Miami (pdf) Miami Beach (pdf) and Florida.

	See the actual Declaration of Independence and learn more about it from the NARA (National Archives) site.

	Yahoo Directory on the 4 th of July. Here you will find lots of links to pages that commemorate and celebrate this special Holiday .

*Always remember that your InterAmerican Campus Library is the best place to obtain information on the month’s celebrations. Ask a librarian for assistance.*

* Chase’s 2003 Calendar of Events

Anti-Boredom Month

July 1- 31. 18 th annual sponsorship of a “self-awareness” event to encourage people to examine whether they, co-workers, family or friends are experiencing “an extended period of boredom” in their lives. The Boring Institute identifies this as “a warning sign” of problems that include depression, self-destructive behavior and even suicide. Advice is offered on how to avoid and overcome boredom. Web: www.boringinstitute.com

Battle of Gettysburg : Anniversary

July 1, 1863. After the Southern success oat Chancellorville, VA, Confederate General Robert E. Lee led his forces on an invasion of the North, initially the invasion, the battle lines were eventually formed at Gettysburg, PA, in one of the Civil War’s most crucial battles. On the climatic third day of the battle (July 3), Lee ordered an attack on the center of the Union line, later to be known as Picket’s Charge. The 15,000 rebels were repulsed, ending the Battle of Gettysburg. After the defeat, Lee’s forces retreated back to Virginia listing more than one-third of the troops as casualties in the failed invasion. Union General George Meade initially failed to pursue the retreating rebels, allowing Lee’s army to escape across the rain-swollen Potomac River, with more than 50,000 casualties, this was the worst battle of the Civil War. Web: http://www.civilwarhome.com/gettysbu.htm

Cell Phone Courtesy Month

July 1- 31. There are approximately 120 million cell phone users in the U.S. This month is dedicated to encouraging the increasingly unmindful corps of cell phone users to be more respectful of their surroundings and those around them. Web: http://www.etiquetteexpert.com/seminars_2.htm

National Hot Dog Month

July 1 – 31. Celebrates one of America’s favorite foods with fun facts and new topping ideas. More than 16 billion hot dogs per year are sold in the U.S. Web: www.hot-dog.org

Civil Rights Act of 1964: Anniversary

July 2, 1964. President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1964 into law, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race in public accommodations, in publicly owned or operated facilities, in employment and union membership and in the registration of voters. The bill included Title VI, which allowed for the cutoff of federal funding in areas where discrimination persisted. Web: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/1964_civil_rights_act.htm

For other celebrations during the June, please visit University of California’s Calendar

Always remember that your InterAmerican Campus Library is the best place to obtain information on the month’s celebrations. Ask a librarian for assistance.

*Most of the information in this page came from the Chase’s Calendar of Events, 2004, also available in your library.