I don’t know why it didn’t sink in as a kid, I remember learning about it at school.  And, as an adult I’ve traveled to and toured Boston, Philadelphia (several times), Washington DC (several times), and other Colonial hotspots on the Eastern Seaboard.  So then, why was I about this many days old when it finally sunk into me that the Revolutionary War was started more than two years before the Declaration of Independence was written and signed?! 

This was the ultimate Forego Permission!  Gee, said our forefathers, let’s go start a war and then tell them why later!  I love it! 

Wikipedia lists the start of the War for Independence as April 19, 1775 at the Battles of Lexington and Concord, but the Boston Tea Party was on December 16, 1773 and that’s when the real trouble began.   Just after the Tea Party is when the Massachusetts Bay Colony formed it’s own government, separate from the crown.   The Second Continental Congress didn’t vote on Independence until July 2, 1776, and then, of course, declared independence with public readings on the 4^th of July, 1776. 

If you want to watch a good movie about the drafting of the declaration, find a copy of 1776.  If you don’t recognize most of the cast, it’s OK, because the movie’s producers hired most of the original Broadway cast for the movie.  Those of a certain generation will recognize the actor portraying John Adams as William Daniels, the same actor who portrayed Mr. Feeny on Boy Meets World.  Trivia Time:  Mr. Feeny was Principal at the fictitious John Adams High School!  I digress. 

Don’t worry about getting permission before starting something, just make sure it’s a really good cause!

Everyone have a Happy, and Safe, Independence Day!