July 4
th
fun facts:
While American independence is always
celebrated on July 4, did you know the
official day has been contested in
history and could have been July 2 or
even August 2? Consider:
July 2, 1776: The Second Continental
Congress approved a resolution
declaring freedom from Britain.
July 4, 1776: A revised, final version of
the resolution (the Declaration of
Independence) was approved.
August 2, 1776: John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, became the
first of 56 delegates to sign the Declaration.
Which “official” action was most official?
While many – including future President
John Adams (also one of the 56 signers)
– believed July 2 was the real bellwether
day, it wasn’t until publication of the
Declaration of Independence two days later that a formal document existed.
Having it in writing apparently made a difference. July 4, the date prominently displayed
on the top line of the Declaration, was the date that stuck.
What’s not in dispute is the year – 1776. In 2016 we celebrate 240 years of
independence. Happy Birthday, America.
Story posted: June 30, 2016