Independence Day

On 2 July 1776, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia voted to declare the 13 colonies' independence from Great Britain.  A party of five, headed by Thomas Jefferson, was drafted to compose this declaration.  After many revisions, that Declaration of Independence was approved by a majority vote on 4 July.  The last signature was applied to the Declaration in August of that year.  But we citizens of the United States of America celebrate our "Independence Day" every July Fourth.  The size of our country has grown exponentially since the Founding Fathers decided to declare their independence from the government of another country across the sea, and yet, we are all "Proud Americans."  Happy Birthday, USA!
   The body of missing hiker Randy Udall was found yesterday in Wyoming.  The body was on its side, and still had his hands clasping walking poles.  An autopsy will be performed, but it is being assumed that the death was from natural causes.  The Udall family issued a statement saying that "...Randy died doing what he loved best, hiking in the Rocky Mountains."
   And the Colorado wildfires are still burning... the West Fork Complex fire has grown to 97,823 acres and is 7% contained......