The Week in Review: June 29, 2026
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding — a milestone known as the Semi quincentennial — the Declaration of Independence remains as important as ever. The treasured document declared the 13 colonies' independence from Great Britain. It still stands today as a powerful symbol of the nation’s identity. Written in 1776, the Declaration did far more than announce a political separation; it articulated a bold vision of human rights and self-governance that continues to resonate across the globe.
Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the document proclaims “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
These words marked a revolutionary departure from the norms of monarchy, establishing a philosophy that still echoes stronger than ever.
With that in mind, let’s take a moment to consider several intriguing facts surrounding the Declaration.
Independence was declared on July 2, the Declaration was adopted on July 4, and it was signed on August 2. John Hancock was the first to sign.
Thomas Jefferson is considered the author of the Declaration. A five-person committee made up of Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman contributed ideas.
There is a message on the back of the Declaration that reads, “Original Declaration of Independence dated July 4, 1776.” Experts believe it was added while in storage.
The first public reading of the Declaration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. When George Washington read the Declaration in New York City on July 9, 1776, the words were so inspiring that the people started a riot.
John Dunlap made about 200 copies, which were distributed throughout the colonies. There are only 26 known surviving “Dunlap Broadsides.”
The Declaration and Constitution were taken to Fort Knox shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
In 1989, someone discovered a previously unknown Dunlap Broadside hidden in a picture frame bought for $4 at a flea market. It sold in 2000 for over $8 million.
Sources: ConstitutionCenter.org, ConstitutionFacts.com, Military.com, CNN
The 250th anniversary of Independence Day isn’t just about a celebration. It's also a chance to pause and reflect. It’s a moment to appreciate the courage of our nation’s founders while recognizing the work of living up to their ideals is still ongoing.
Market summary
Two FOR THE ROAD
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." — Ronald Reagan
"The strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people." — Abraham Lincoln
Enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend!
Warmest Regards,
Bill Stordahl, CFP®
Managing Director
Stordahl Capital Management
A Weekly Perspective on Planning and Markets
Each week, we share The Week in Review — a short collection of articles on
financial planning and wealth management, along with a brief overview for context.
One email per week. No promotions, no sales – just clarity.
Stordahl Capital Management, Inc is a Registered Investment Adviser. This commentary is solely for informational purposes and reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of Stordahl Capital Management, Inc. and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services or performance returns of any SCM Clients. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing in this piece constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Stordahl Capital Management and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Stordahl Capital Management unless a client service agreement is in place. Stordahl Capital Management, Inc provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers or industry-related material. Accessing websites through links directs you away from our website. Stordahl Capital Management is not responsible for errors or omissions in the material on third-party websites and does not necessarily approve of or endorse the information provided. Users who gain access to third-party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from the use of those websites. Please note that trading instructions through email, fax, or voicemail will not be taken. Your identity and timely retrieval of instructions cannot be guaranteed. Stordahl Capital Management, Inc. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
1. The Dow Jones Industrials Average is an unmanaged index of 30 major companies which cannot be invested into directly. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
2. The NASDAQ Composite is an unmanaged index of companies which cannot be invested into directly. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
3. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 larger companies which cannot be invested into directly. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
4. The Global Dow is an unmanaged index composed of stocks of 150 top companies. It cannot be invested into directly. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
5. CME Group front-month contract; Prices can and do vary; past performance does not guarantee future results.
6. CME Group continuous contract; Prices can and do vary; past performance does not guarantee future results.