Enjoying history, I thought I would look up the 4th of July in google. I found this quote and thought it was pretty amazing that John Adams forecasts this holiday celebration more than 200 years ago. Independence was gained on July 2nd, but the Declaration of Independence was signed on the 4th. Hence the celebration on the 4th. We had a great sunny day and enjoyed seeing the fireworks we could from our front yard. I do look forward to when Luca is old enough to take to the fireworks show!
A day earlier, John Adams had written 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.[6]
Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.[7]
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