Even though I had just been to see the Liberty Bell a few days ago, being where this nation began, on the anniversary of the day it began, was very special to me.
There were a lot of people there to join in the celebration of freedom.
Something I found quite fascinating, but that few other people were taking note of, was this excavation right in front of the building that houses the Liberty Bell.
This is the actual excavated remains of the historic President's House, which is where our nation's first two presidents, George Washington and John Adams lived. In essence, this was the White House, before the White House. I found that very interesting, but most people were walking right past it.
The next place on my list of Patriotic places to see today, was this place - Betsy Ross' house. This is, according accepted history, the place that Betsy Ross was living when she was visited by George Washington and members of the Continental Congress and asked to make a flag for our new nation. She was an upholsterer by trade, and never actually owned this house. She and her husband were some of several tenants that lived here at the same time.
According to the plaques on the wall of her home, few people, outside of her immediate family and members of the Continental Congress, knew the Betsy Ross has made our first flag. It was her grandson who made the story public and led the effort to save the place she called home.
Betsy's home was modest and unpretentious. She did not have an easy life. By the time she was asked to design and sew the flag, she was married to her third husband, having been widowed already twice.
Betsy Ross was an interesting and important woman in American history and I am glad I took the time to go and see where she lived and created our first stars and stripes.
The next stop on my self-guided Independence Day history tour was this place, Christ Church.
This is the actual, original church where Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and many other founding fathers and mothers worshipped.
It is still an Episcopal Church today, with a large and active congregation.
This is the actual pew where George Washington and his family sat when they attended services here.
It is a beautiful church and the people who showed me through it were so kind. They will be praying for my grandson during their Wednesday prayer service.
The garden outside of the church was peaceful and beautiful..
...and tended with loving care...
...by members of the congregation.
I am glad I got to see Christ Church. It is an important symbol and reminder of the faith of many of those who gave us our freedom and independence.
...a good ole' fashioned Independence Day Parade.
I didn't stay to watch the entire parade, but what I did see was a lot of fun...
...and a great tribute to our nation.
One last place I visited today, but don't have any pictures of, because photography was not permitted, is the National Museum of American Jewish History. I had seen the building before (it is across the street from Independence Hall). I had wondered about it, but had not gone in. Today they let everyone in for free, so I decided to check it out. The museum had a wealth of information about American Jews (those who immigrated here and those who were born here) and the important part they have played in shaping our country. The museum was another very interesting place and I am glad that I took the opportunity to see it.
That has been my Independence Day so far, and it has been a good one. Tonight we will celebrate with Philly Cheese Steaks and fireworks (if the little ones can stay up late enough).
I will end with this thought:
Have a wonderful Independence Day. God bless America!
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