Happy Independence Day (Almost)
On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote 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.
Adams was referring to the adoption by the Second Continental Congress of the Lee Resolution:
Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.
That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.
With the adoption of the Lee Resolution, the Colonies officially severed their ties to the British Crown. This was a momentous occasion, and a hard-fought political battle. Interestingly, the entertaining (and historically accurate) Broadway musical and movie 1776 (buy it here) gets it right: the dramatic climax of the story is the adoption of the Resolution on Independence.
We celebrate the Fourth of July as the date of American Independence because that's the date when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress. By all means on July 4th give thanks to Almighty God for what our Forefathers bequeathed to us. See a parade; have a party; take in a show, game, or sport. Celebrate with guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations. But remember that the tough political work that made it possible came to a successful conclusion 231 years ago today. And be grateful for that as well.