Independence Day-July 2nd

"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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

Some people think it cool to be fashionably late to a party. What about being two days late? We do that every year with our Independence Day celebrations. Say what? It's true. The Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence on July 2, 1776. We learn that in history class but following tradition all our lives tends to make us forget. Take another look at John Adams letter to Abigail.

"...You will see in a few days a Declaration setting forth the Causes, which have impell'd Us to this mighty Revolution, and the Reasons which will justify it, in the Sight of God and Man. A Plan of Confederation will be taken up in a few days. On July 2, 1776 the Association known as United Colonies of America officially became the United States of America .
But the Day is past. The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America."

July 4th is when the document, the Declaration of Independence, was adopted. The document was made to give an explanation of the legal separation of the 13 colonies from England made on the 2nd.

If you feel bad about celebrating on the wrong day don't. Even our forefathers got it mixed up. They got the 4th stuck in their heads as well. The first celebration happened even later on the 8th in Philadelphia. Hey the guys were busy.