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Grissom celebrates independence

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GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Taking a stand against tyranny and oppression, America's Second Continental Congress declared their independence from monarchical rule on this day 236 years ago, paving the way for democracy and freedom to spread across the globe.

Today Americans, including the men and women of Grissom Air Reserve Base, celebrate the freedom earned by such a bold statement made so many years before, along with the sacrifices made by every generation of Americans to defend democracy.

Written by Thomas Jefferson in June 1776 and edited by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, Congress officially and unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, with the sounds of church bells ringing out across Philadelphia shortly thereafter.

Perhaps the most well known version of the Declaration contains the 56 signatures of Congress, the largest of which came from the hand of John Hancock, the President of the Congress and the first to sign the document. That said, this version was not actually signed until Aug. 2, 1776, and was not signed by all of the delegates until sometime later.

To read a copy of the original Declaration of Independence click here.

While Americans around the world celebrate independence and freedom, Grissom reminds everyone to be safe during the holiday, especially if alcohol or pyrotechnics are involved. Make sure all celebrants drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and put safety first at all times.

Grissom Air Reserve Base is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps Reserve Communications unit.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer