Independence Day
On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee’s resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively). On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary
Carol M Highsmith, photographer
Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”
On July 4th, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence , which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.
Did you know? John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Happy Independence to one and all.
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Ed Brown was an avid student of history, and a big fan of the musical, “1776.” The music and lyrics were written by Sherman Edwards, who lived near me in New Jersey. Edwards was a history teacher, and millions of us were his students. His creation was a wonderful way to learn about the birth of our nation. Ed knew that, and he took every opportunity to encourage others to see “1776.”
You are so right, Andy. We grew up listening to and watching 1776. I believe, we know every word to every song, as well as the dialogue.