Celebrating Independence Day

Rodeos, barbeques, fireworks, parades — these are what often come to mind when we celebrate the Fourth of July in Montana. In fact, these activities have always come to mind when we think about Independence Day.

  On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. From the very beginning, people understood the significance of what they had just done. John Adams, our would-be second president, wrote to his wife about his vision for future celebrations of this historic occasion: “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Gen...