Celebrating Independence Day On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail to tell her how important the events of the previous day had been. He opined that:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations… It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore.

Yes, that reads July 2. The Second Continental Congress declared the independence of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain on July 2, 1776 by passing Lee’s Resolution. So what happened on July 4, 1776? That’s the day the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence—a greatly expanded version of the resolution. It was the verbal declaration that took place on July 2 that was thought to be the more memorable occasion at the time, rather than the signing of the document. In fact, members of congress who weren’t present on July 4 were still stopping in to sign the document months later. Have a safe and wonderful Independence Day celebration!  ]]>