4th of July
Over the next several days, America will be celebrating the 4th of July holiday – when we declared our independence from British rule. But did you know we almost ended up with a celebration two days earlier? Let’s quote founding father and future President, John Adams…
“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.”
He was almost right. Although the Continental Congress did in fact officially vote for independence on July 2nd, Thomas Jefferson still hadn’t finished his draft of the Declaration of Independence – which was later debated and finally approved on the 4th.
Since the 4th became the date that everyone celebrated, even Jefferson and Adams near the end of their lives were confused and thought they had voted for independence on the 2nd.
The only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence who went on to become a U.S. President, ended up dying on the exact same day – ironically, the 4th of July, 1826 – the 50th anniversary of that signing.
Enjoy the fireworks...