Happy Independence Day, USA!
 

Happy Independence Day :up:

Today 2 July, in 1776, the Continental Congress voted and approved the Lee Resolution.

"Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation."

It was passed 12-0 with one abstaining. New York finally voted in favour on 9 July 1776.

The evening of 2 July 1776, the Pennsylvania Evening Post published the statement: "This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States."

John Adams, in writing to his wife Abigail on 3 July 1776.

"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."

The Declaration of Independence was not what declared our independence (even back then congress had problems entitling stuff). It was the Lee Resolution. The Declaration of Independence was a document designed to rally support from the citizens on the decision Congress made on 2 July 1776.

What many people don't realize is that the intended audience of the Declaration of Independence was the American people.


So happy Independence Day! Let's cock a good natured snook to our British friends and allies. :rock:

Happy "We got shot of the British!" Day, and remember to keep all of your fingers!

HAPPY Independence day to my American friends.

(Can't remember if I have asked this question before)

Have it always been 4th of July where the official Independence day is celebrated ?
Or
How come it was changed from 2nd of July to 4th of July?(if there has been any changes-see also first question)

Markus

The 4th is when the final draft of the Declaration of Independence was approved, but not signed. Since the DOI is one of our core documents as a nation, the approval of this document was recognized as "independence day"


Only curmudgeons like me insist on the 2nd of July. :D


It should be noted that the public was not made aware of the 2 July vote as it was held in a closed session of congress. To most of the people, the first they heard of any official declaration was based on reading the various copies of the DOI which bore the date of 4 July.



The fourth of July did not become a federal holiday (unpaid) until 1870
Massachusetts was the first state to recognize it as a state holiday in 1781


Fun fact: The Philippines also celebrates July 4 as its Republic Day (it was originally called Independence Day) to commemorate4 July 1946 when it ceased to be a US Territory.

It may have been voted for by a few in a closed room on the 2nd of July. But imo not until the written public declaration dated July 4th telling the king to pack sand did it really matter.

https://i.postimg.cc/Y2sTT2fG/IMG-1885.jpg

^ Yup - that about says it all :har::har::har::Kaleun_Cheers:

:haha:

Not sure the right decisions were made back in those days.
:hmmm:

Given the choice between King George III and Sleepy Joe the 1st?

Almost fun fact: While it is unclear exactly when King George first received a copy of the DOI, his first official reaction was not made until 31 Oct 1776

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de_Lafayette :salute:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilber...s_de_Lafayette

Pretty sure he was still on 56k or less dial-up internet back then.
:haha:

Oh come on, we saved your @$$e$ in two world wars. :D We're even. :D

Ya, Al Gore hadn’t invented the internet yet so I imagine it took some time to get the word out.