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. And still, other Founders would say, “what Independence Day?” since the holiday wasn’t widely celebrated until many of the Founders had passed away. Although the U.S. celebrates Independence Day on July 4, the Second Continental Congress technically voted to declare independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. 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. 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. On July 2, 1776 the Lee Resolution was brought to the Continental Congress floor. It was debated, voted, and ratified into law by 12 of the 13 colonies, New York abstaining because the delegates claimed they were unsure of how their constituents wanted them to vote. Upon ratification of the Lee Resolution, our 13 colonies, became 13 independent sovereign governments. We were from that day Each year on the Fourth of July, Americans across the country gather to celebrate the birth of our nation with fireworks, parades and patriotic pride. But what if the date The U.S. voted for independence on July 2, 1776, but celebrates on July 4. Discover why the true date was nearly forgotten. 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? 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. The City of Worcester announced it postponed annual Independence Day celebration at East Park to Wednesday, July 2. July 4, 2024 Jim Lewis Independence Day declaration of independence, Independence Day, July 4th, Lee Resolution by Scott Bomboy of the National Constitution Center 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? The Real Independence Day: July 2, 1776 Joseph Fred Benson July 4, 2020 09:00:40 am Edited by: Brianna Bell | U. Pittsburgh School of Law, US What actually happened on July 4, 1776, was that the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was signed later by 56 leaders from across the colonies. The two days in between July 2 and July 4 were spent working on edits to the document. 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 real break from Great Britain came two days earlier, on July 2nd, 1776, when the Continental Congress cast their fateful vote. What led these colonial leaders to choose one date over another, and why has this vital detail faded from our national memory? The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, but is the real Independence Day July 2 or July 4? — Richard Henry Lee-July 2, 1776 Friday, July 2nd, is the 245th anniversary of the Continental Congress voting to secede from the British Crown. That’s right, July 2nd is America’s real Independence Day. The Declaration of Independence was approved/signed on July 4th. Celebrate Independence Day across Cobb County in 2025 Cobb will light up the skies this Fourth of July with a packed lineup of parades, concerts, car shows, festivals, and of course, fireworks. 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. Americans will celebrate the nation's birthday on the Fourth of July, but Founding Father John Adams believed that July 2 was America's true Independence Day..
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