July 2, 1776: John Adams and the prelude to independence

Is it possible to praise John Adams too much? (Short answer: no.) More than any other delegate to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, this cranky, principled visionary from Massachusetts tirelessly promoted American independence, which the Congress finally declared in July 1776. 

The delegates passed a resolution proclaiming independence on July 2 of that year, followed two days later by a vote on the Declaration of Independence, which formally laid out America's grievances against King George III.

In arguing that July 2, 1776, should be remembered for all time, Adams offered a remarkably accurate prediction of how we would come to celebrate Independence Day, albeit two days later:

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. 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.

Well, we didn’t take your advice regarding July 2, Mr. Adams, but I think you’d be pleased with how we honor what transpired two days later.