America 250: 7 important dates for the Declaration of Independence
4. Independence resolution adopted — July 2, 1776
Two days before one of the most significant dates in history, the Continental Congress voted to approve the Lee resolution and thus publicly declared their independence from the British Empire.
From there, the deliberative body called on the Committee of Five to finalize a draft declaring independence, with various edits being discussed and debated over the document.
John Adams predicted that July 2 — not July 4 — would become the official Independence Day for the new republic, labeling it “the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.”
“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival,” stated Adams, as quoted by The National Constitution Center.
“It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade with shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
