It was John Adams who was most vehemently encouraged America to continue to celebrate its birth. Here is what he wrote to his wife Abigail;
“The second day of July 1776 will be 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. 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.”
The date above is not a typo, July 2nd is the day Mr. Adams had in mind as the birth of our nation:
- The actual vote for independence came on July 2nd.
- The announcement of the Declaration of Independence was July 8th which was the great day of celebration in 1776. By this time, Thomas Jefferson’s draft had undergone more than 80 changes.
- The actual signing of the Declaration of Independence came on Friday, August 2nd 1776.
Happy Birthday indeed, and as Mr. Adams would often say, “rejoice ever more”.
Kirby V. Nielsen
Source; David McCullough John Adams