For many Americans, tomorrow will be a day of rest, relaxation, and celebration as we commemorate the events of July 4, 1776. On that day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Second Continental Congress (representing the 13 original American colonies) adopted the Declaration of Independence.
In the summer of 1776, armed conflict between the colonies and the crown was in full swing. In June of that year, the Continental Congress appointed a five-man task force to draft a formal statement regarding independence. The committee included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson – but Jefferson drafted the declaration and submitted it to Franklin and Adams for their edits.
Delegates of the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence on July 2, 1776 (the adoption of the declaration would follow on July 4). With the vote for independence, John Adams 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 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.”
The first organized celebration of Independence Day took place in Philadelphia the following year on July 4 – commemorating the day the Declaration was adopted. So, while Adams was off by a couple of days, his wishes did indeed come to pass as we celebrate the day that gave birth to our nation every July 4th.
Whatever you are doing tomorrow, take a moment to reflect upon how significant and Providential the events of July, 1776 – Independence Day – are to the freedoms and opportunities we all enjoy today. On behalf of the QIC team, we wish you a Happy 4th of July!
