Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy Independence Day!

While we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, the legal separation from Great Britain occured July 2, 1776. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4, 1776.

On July 3, 1776, John Adams writes to his wife:

"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 as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. 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 forever more"

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