No, my calendar is not out of whack. Today, July 2, is the day in
1776 the Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain. John
Adams, a leader of the revolution who would become the second president of the
new nation, said this in a letter to his wife, Abigail:
The Second Day of July 1776, will
be the most memorable Epocha, 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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End
of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
But, alas, despite Adams’s prediction, the official celebration is
on July 4, the day the congress ratified the language of the Declaration of
Independence. They did not get around to signing it until August 2, so an argument
can be made that we should be popping off fireworks and holding parades on that
day.
Me, I’m sticking with July 2 and am flying the flag today.
Fly away, Rod. Thanks for the historical "correction." Hope you had a great 2nd!
ReplyDeleteSo far, so good, Tom. And there's more to come. We'll enjoy the Fourth as well.
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