Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the congress on June 28. ... By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America's birthday. ... We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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. ...

• Word Count: 4402
• Approx Pages: 18
• Has Bibliography