Adams believed that July 2, 1776, would be the date to mark and celebrate forever our Declaration of Independence. Although the official date comes later, Americans have celebrated their country’s birth date, and have followed Adams’ advice ever since. History of Independence Day History of the Fourth of July Did you know New York City has the biggest fireworks display in the United States and that three U.S. presidents died on July 4? Independence Day is celebrated in an explosion of fireworks in the U.S. every year on the Fourth of July, but America’s Founding Fathers actually voted to break free from Great Britain two days earlier, on July 2, 1776. Declaration of Independence, document approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, that announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. On July 2 the Congress had resolved that ‘these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States.’ Foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad have become menu essentials at Independence Day cookouts across the country—but their origins actually hail from all around the world. Discover the fascinating history behind America’s birthday with these engaging facts about 4th of July. Independence Day is more than just fireworks and barbecues—it’s a celebration steeped in revolutionary history, patriotic traditions, and surprising stories that shaped the United States. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to modern-day festivities, the 4th of July The vote actually took place on July 2 and was approved by 12 colonies (with New York abstaining). The final version of the Declaration of Independence was formally approved on July 4, which became the national holiday known as Independence Day. Lee Resolution "The Resolution for Independence agreed to July 2, 1776" in the handwriting of Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress. Thomson's marks at the bottom right indicate the 12 colonies that voted for independence, while the Province of New York abstained. Richard Henry Lee proposed the resolution on June 7, 1776. But July 4, 1776 wasn't the day that the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776). It wasn’t the day we started the American Revolution either (that had happened back in April 1775). And it wasn't the day Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence (that was in June 1776). We see below two close-up views of a resolution, adopted July 2, 1776, in which the Continental Congress affirmed their independence from great Britain. The words of the resolution, originally proposed by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, are echoed in the Declaration of Independence. In the minds of many Americans, July 4th is the nation’s birthday—the date celebrated with fireworks, patriotic speeches, and parades across the country. Yet it was on July 2, 1776, that the Continental Congress formally broke ties with Great Britain by adopting the Lee Resolution, a brief but momentous declaration of independence that severed the legal bonds between the thirteen American The U.S. voted for independence on July 2, 1776, but celebrates on July 4. Discover why the true date was nearly forgotten. July 2, 1776, marks the true date of American independence. On this day, the Second Continental Congress took a monumental step by officially voting to separate the 13 American colonies from British rule. Independence Day, also called Fourth of July, commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of 13 North American colonies from Great Britain. Timeline: The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. This was also the day that the Declaration of Independence Day Quotes to Remind Us of the Meaning of the Holiday Did you know that every 4th of July in Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell is rung 13 times in honor of the 13 original colonies? The Declaration of Independence, formally The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America in the original printing, is the founding document of the United States. On July 4, 1776, it was adopted unanimously by the Second Continental Congress, who convened at Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in the colonial capital of Philadelphia. These delegates The great day was July 2, two days before the draft would be approved for release to the public, informing them that America’s colonies had declared independence. Independence Day (also promoted as ID4) is a 1996 American science fiction action film [2][3] directed by Roland Emmerich, written by Emmerich and the film's producer Dean Devlin. The film stars an ensemble cast of Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Margaret Colin, Randy Quaid, Robert Loggia, Vivica A. Fox, James Rebhorn, and Harvey Fierstein. The film There’s no doubt the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. But which date has the legitimate claim on Independence Day: July 2 or July 4? If John Adams were alive today, he would tell you July 2. Other Founders would say July 4, the day that is currently recognized as a federal holiday by our national government. Independence Day Should Have Been July 2 –July 2, 1776 is the day that the Continental Congress actually voted for independence. John Adams, in his writings, even noted that July 2 would be remembered in the annals of American history and would be marked with fireworks and celebrations.
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