I enjoy learning about lesser know facts in history - so here are a couple of things I have recently discovered about the 4th of July celebrations.1. Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2nd, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
2. I discovered the following information in an article written Brad Barnes.
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. No one will dispute that. But the signing was a formality by the Continental Congress, which two days before voted to sever ties with England. That's right - July 2 is our true Independence Day. And it's the day that founding father John Adams thought we'd be celebrating today. John Adams wrote:
"The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America," Adams said in a letter he wrote to his wife on July 3, 1776. "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."
Have a wonderful day everyone -make it a joyful, creative day no matter what country you're in!
3 comments:
Happy 4th July, Marie
You need to watch that mini series about John Adams. Very good and as I understand it right on point. Did you know that both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, friends and at times not so friendly, both died on July 4th - not only the same day, but same year.
Hi Marie, I read over the weekend that both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the 4th in the same year. I wonder if they signed the declaration on the same day?
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