Independence Day, July 4, 1776

updated June 20, 2025

This was the first Independence Day blog post I wrote in 2015, the year I started this blog. Now it’s 10 years later, and next year the country will celebrate 250 years-America 250.

On this day in 1775, 13 British colonies in North America declared independence from England. And as they say, the rest is history

Today we celebrate the birth of the United States of America

“one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

The United States flag displayed at Grand Central Station, New York City, NY-
photo by Dr. Aletha

I thank all service members of the United States Armed Forces for protecting our freedoms and securing our safety. I appreciate the families of deployed service members for their sacrifice.

statue of General George Washington, first President of the United States of America - New York City — General George Washington, first President of the United States of America – New York City-photo by Dr. Aletha

The Statue of Liberty — “Liberty Enlightening the World” statue on Liberty Island, New York City photo by Dr. Aletha

Exploring the HEART of Health

I hope you enjoyed these patriotic photos I took during my trip to New York City.

Did you know, the first woman to graduate from a medical school in the United States, established a hospital in New York City? Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell and her sister Dr. Emily Blackwell established the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857. That facility eventually became the New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital .

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Dr. Aletha

Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.