The Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence declaring the United States independent from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. Congress then turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress finally approved it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

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.

Adams's vision was off a couple of days. From the beginning, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved.

Join your patriot ancestors this 4th and remember with gratitude the sacrifices they made for our sake....one that we can never repay.