The Second Continental Congress actually made its decree for freedom on July 2, 1776, signing the Lee Resolution. Two days later, on July 4, Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence and the alarm for freedom was sounded at Independence Hall with the Liberty Bell. It was on August 4, 1776, after delegates of the Continental Congress had signed the document, that the Declaration of Independence was made official.
John Adam’s famous letters to his wife, Abigail, on the 3rd of July, 1776, capture the spirit of the time. Writing from Philadelphia, he said, “Yesterday the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men.
“A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony ‘that these united Colonies, are, and of right ought to be free and independent States, and as such, they have, and of Right ought to have full Power to make War, conclude Peace, establish Commerce, and to do all the other Acts and Things, which other States may rightfully do’…..I am apt to believe (this day) 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, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever.”
Let us end this brief history of Independence Day (U.S.) with text from the Declaration of Independence:”WE hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, driving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
Famous Last Words……
On July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence first asserted American sovereignty, former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both passed away. Jefferson desired to live until July 4 so “that he might breathe the air of the Fiftieth Anniversary.” His last words, spoken the night before his weather in the early afternoon of July 4, are traditionally given as some variation of “Is it the Fourth?” Adams died in the early evening, hours after Jefferson. According to tradition, Adams uttered the final words, “Thomas Jefferson survives” unaware of the fact that his longtime friend had just passed away.
PS: What we all have forgotten is that the politicians work for US we don’t work for them…..I personally believe it will come to pass that we all as Americans and only as Americans must and will stand our ground to keep our country as it was intended by the founding fathers. FREE …..