I do this every year, but TODAY is the actual anniversary of independence. On July 2, 1776, the 2nd Continental Congress adopted Richard Henry Lee's resolution that these colonies "are, and of right to be, free and independent states." [The actual declaration document was adopted on the 4th--I guess the 4th of July either had a better ring to it or a better press agent. Besides, you'd have to change all the white sale flyers]
As John Adams, the leading light of independence, wrote to Abigail:
"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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."
So you all have my permission to take today off!
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