Jul04
Ester celebrates independence from Great Britain
Today it is 231 years ago that the United States declared independence from Great Britain. Like other western U.S. states, Alaska was not yet part of the U.S. in 1776. The first Europeans to make contact with Alaska was a Russian expedition led by the Dane, Vitus Bering, in 1741, and some 40 years passed before the first permanent European settlements were founded. Despite Russian efforts to colonize Alaska it never became profitable and in 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. In 1959, Alaska became the 49th U.S. state.
Parades are an integral part of Fourth of July celebrations. Here in Ester where I live, we had parade with people dressed in colorful and creative costumes. Among others I saw Uncle Sam with his granddaughter, druids, and Scooter Libby who celebrated this day as a free man.
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