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FridayMusings since 2003
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Friday, July 5, 2024
Helping define Livonia's Quality of Life
20 years publishing FridayMusings without bias but not without opinion
| Archive--Bill Joyner's FridayMusings | | | |
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As we embark on a four-day weekend filled with fireworks, parades, and barbecues, let's also dedicate time to reflect on the origins of these celebrations. In doing so, we honor the efforts and intentions of our founding fathers and contemplate, "What actions are we taking today to safeguard the democratic process initiated with the drafting of the Declaration of Independence?"
This edition of Musings merges the July 3rd and 5th issues. Contemplate our independence, then partake in the festivities with due observance.
The inaugural annual celebration of July 4th took place in Philadelphia in 1777. Various towns across the nation marked the occasion in their unique ways, with most festivities featuring bonfires, parades, cannon or musket salutes, and numerous public speeches.
The custom of setting off fireworks on the 4th of July originated from the 1777 Philadelphia celebration. A ship honored the 13 colonies with a 13-gun salute, while the Sons of Liberty ignited fireworks over Boston Common.
While many cities observed Independence Day, Massachusetts was the first state to formally recognize the 4th of July as a holiday in 1781. Later, in 1870, the 4th of July was declared a federal holiday by the United States Congress.
To all reading Musings today the Bodyguard and Typewriter wish you a happy, safe, and contemplative Independence Day.
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Preservation of our Declaration of Independence | The condition of the parchment Declaration of Independence is a sign of the place it has held in the hearts of many Americans. Years of public display have faded and worn this treasured document. Today it is maintained under the most exacting archival conditions possible. | In 1820, the Declaration of Independence was already showing signs of age. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams commissioned printer William J. Stone to make a full-size copperplate engraving. This plate was used to print copies of the Declaration. The 1823 Stone engraving is the most frequently reproduced version of the Declaration. | |
Let's take a look back on the writing of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence stands as the initial formal proclamation by a nation's people declaring their right to select their own government.
When skirmishes between groups of American colonists and British soldiers commenced in April 1775, the Americans were ostensibly contending solely for their rights as subjects of the British crown. By the subsequent summer, amidst the escalating Revolutionary War, the call for independence from Britain had intensified, and the Continental Congress's delegates were poised to vote on the matter.
In mid-June 1776, a five-man committee comprising Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Robert R. Livingston of New York was appointed to compose a formal declaration justifying the severance from Great Britain.
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Jefferson, recognized as a persuasive advocate for the patriotic cause following his 1774 publication of "A Summary View of the Rights of British America," was tasked with drafting what would become the Declaration of Independence.
The artist Henry Wolf, born Alsace Eckwersheim prepared this art of Jefferson's writing is preserved by the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
As he recounted in 1823, the other committee members "unanimously pressed on myself alone to undertake the draft. I agreed; I drafted it; and before I presented it to the committee, I sought the amendments of Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams... I then prepared a clean copy, submitted it to the committee, and thence, without alterations, to the Congress."
The Congress formally ratified the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Jefferson, in Philadelphia on July 4th, a day now commemorated as the birth of American independence.
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After 4 decades of leadership while putting smiles on the faces
of the visually impaired community Debra Bonde has
announced her well deserved retirement
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Exceptional individuals remind us that kindness and compassion truly define greatness. In the past two decades, one person has exemplified to me this principle. Deb Bonde, founder 40 years ago of Seedlings Braille Books for Children, is just that person.
Today, she informed me that she would be resigning as the Executive Director of Seedlings and handing over the reins to Amanda Hercula. My emotions ranged from joy for her to sorrow at the change, which, while expected, still unsettled the familiar.
Deb Bonde embodies Seedlings, which began with her father constructing a braille machine in their Livonia basement. Seedlings has since expanded, distributing books across all states in the nation and to over 70 countries globally.
So, what's the point? Deb Bonde has rightfully earned her retirement, leaving an organization with committed volunteers, a remarkable and professional team, and a legacy that has enriched the lives of millions of children who love to read, all originating from the vision of one individual with a single idea and a solitary dollar.
On Wednesday, October 2nd, friends and supporters of Seedlings, along with Deb Bonde, will convene at the Vista Tech Center at Schoolcraft College to express their gratitude for her commitment to transforming Seedlings into a national treasure for the visually impaired community.
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Livonia's Chief Robert Jennison was honored by
Commission on Professional Credentialing
The Commission on Professional Credentialing® has just awarded Chief Robert Jennison the professional designation of Chief Fire Officer on June 15, 2024. Following an extensive peer review process, this designation recognizes demonstrated excellence in seven measured components: experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement, and technical competence. In receiving this designation, Chief Jennison becomes one of only 1892 CFOs worldwide.
Meeting these stringent requirements will allow Chief Jennison to bring a higher level of professionalism and service to Livonia Fire & Rescue.
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Mail Address
19514 Bainbridge 48152
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Cell address
734-674-5871
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The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.
What motivates FridayMusings:
We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.
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Musings continues with a new format for election news. On Friday, excluding breaking news, Musings will highlight candidate stories, endorsements, and updates below the fold. | | | | |
