“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 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, forevermore.”
These prophetic words capture the immense joy and historical weight of American independence. John Adams, a key figure in the revolution, wrote them in a letter to his wife, Abigail. However, you might notice something odd about his prediction. He confidently declared July 2nd, not July 4th, as the day for future celebration. This famous quote reveals a fascinating and often overlooked detail about the nation’s founding.
Adams was not mistaken. He simply focused on a different, yet arguably more pivotal, moment in the birth of the United States. His enthusiastic vision for celebration did come true. It just happens on a different day than he expected.
The Momentous Vote of July 2nd
Why was John Adams so certain about July 2nd? The answer lies in the formal proceedings of the Second Continental Congress. On that day, the delegates cast a nearly unanimous vote in favor of the Lee Resolution. This resolution formally declared the thirteen colonies independent from Great Britain. For Adams and many of his contemporaries, this vote was the true act of separation. It was the legal and political break from the British Empire.
The debate had been intense. Source Subsequently, the final vote marked a point of no return. Adams, who had passionately argued for independence, saw this moment as the definitive event. He immediately understood its profound significance. Therefore, he wrote to his wife the very next day, on July 3rd, to share the monumental news and his vision for its commemoration.
A Vision for Future Generations
Adams’s prediction for how Americans would celebrate is remarkably accurate. He foresaw a festival filled with vibrant and joyous activities. Let’s break down his vision. He called for “pomp and parade,” which remain staples of modern Independence Day festivities across the country. Furthermore, he mentioned “shows, games, sports,” which reflect the picnics, concerts, and community events that define the holiday.
His mention of “guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations” perfectly captures the sounds and sights of the celebration. Bells rang out in Philadelphia after the news became public. Early celebrations often included the firing of cannons and muskets. Moreover, bonfires were a traditional form of public celebration. The “illuminations” he described are what we now call fireworks, the grand finale of nearly every Fourth of July.
Indeed, Adams did not just predict a holiday. He envisioned a nationwide expression of patriotic joy and gratitude. His words painted a picture of a unified continent celebrating its freedom together. This vision has undoubtedly become a reality every summer.
Why We Celebrate on July 4th
If the decisive vote occurred on July 2nd, why does the entire nation celebrate on the 4th? The shift happened because of the power of a single document: the Declaration of Independence. While Congress declared independence on July 2nd, it still needed a formal announcement to explain its reasons to the world. A committee had already tasked Thomas Jefferson with drafting this document.
On July 4th, 1776, after some debate and revisions, Congress formally adopted the final text of the Declaration of Independence. This document, dated July 4th, was then sent to printers. Copies, known as the Dunlap broadsides, were distributed throughout the colonies. As a result, the public first learned of the break from Britain by reading a document prominently dated July 4th. This date became fixed in the public mind.
Over time, the adoption of the Declaration overshadowed the earlier vote. The eloquent and inspiring words of the Declaration itself became the focus of the celebration. John Adams later expressed some frustration over this. He felt the public was celebrating the “fireworks” of the Declaration rather than the fundamental political act of the vote. Nevertheless, history cemented July 4th as the nation’s official birthday. Adams’s quote remains a powerful reminder of the true timeline of these revolutionary events.