The Declaration of Independence
Unknown to many, the formal separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain in 1776 occurred on July 2nd, rather than July 4th. This is when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a “Resolution of Independence” that declared the United States independent from the British monarchy.
After the vote for independence on July 2nd, Congress turned its attention to a Declaration of Independence, a formal document justifying their decision. The writing assignment was given to a committee of five members, and Thomas Jefferson was the main author for the committee. Congress debated and revised the final wording of the Declaration -- finally signing and dating it July 4, 1776.
During the debate process, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail: “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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