Happy Independence Day

On this day 233 years ago the Second Continental Congress approved the Lee Resolution declaring that the the 13 colonies be Independent of British Empire. It was two days later that the document formally announcing this action was approved. On July 3, 1776 John Adams wrote the following to 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.

I guess John was a couple days off on his prediction.