On July 2, 1776, the delegates to the Continental Congress voted for a resolution endorsing the independence of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.  For this reason, it seemed that July 2 would go down in history as the date to celebrate American Independence.  On July 3, 1776, one of the leading supporters of American independence in Congress, John Adams, wrote to his wife, Abigail, “The Second of July 1776 will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America…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.”  

After John Adams gave his support to July 2 as the date for festivities, how did July 4 become the date that Americans celebrate? On July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the final wording of the Declaration of Independence, a document that was intended to give the reasons behind the resolution for independence that Congress had passed two days before. Since the Declaration included the date of July 4, 1776 prominently, people began to identify July 4 as the date of American independence.  Americans have been celebrating on July 4 ever since 1777. The American War of Independence went on until 1781, when the Americans and our French allies defeated the British and their German allies at the Battle of Yorktown.  The British recognized American independence in the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

America’s successful fight for independence continues to inspire people around the world.  Happy birthday, America!