Continental Congress met in Philadelphia June 7, 1776, where
Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for independence
from Great Britain. July second the vote in favor of his motion was nearly
unanimous. (New York initially abstained, but eventually went with the crowd).
On that day, John Adams wrote his wife Abigail, saying July second would be
celebrated for generations to come with “pomp and parade, games, sports, guns,
bells, bonfires and illuminations (another word for fireworks) from one end of
this continent to the other.” The Declaration of Independence was formally
adopted two days later, and July 4 became the official holiday. Adams was irritated
beyond reason, and would routinely turn down invitations to celebrate the
Fourth of July in protest. He died July 4 1826, presumably as annoyed as ever. Here’s
to a happy and safe Independence Day for all of us, even if we are two days
late.
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