Rhode Island was the first and only state to declare its independence from England entirely on its own. On May 4, 1776, both houses of the General Assembly renounced the colony’s allegiance to Great Britain—a full two months before the rest of the colonies followed suit on July 4. Rhode Islanders celebrate this event during May, which is Rhode Island Heritage Month, with flag-raising ceremonies, cannon salutes, and parades of local patriotic, veterans’, and scouting organizations. Discuss