The Day We Got Wrong

 

Everyone celebrates July 4. John Adams didn’t think that made sense.

 

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve independence from Great Britain. The decision was made. The break was real. The colonies were independent.

 

Adams was certain this was the day history would remember.

 

He wrote to his wife, Abigail, that July 2 would be celebrated by future generations “with pomp and parade,” fireworks, bells, and bonfires. He believed it would be honored forever.

 

Two days later, Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence.

 

The Declaration of Independence—dated July 4—was printed, circulated, and remembered. The vote that actually mattered faded behind the paper that explained it.

 

Adams refused to celebrate July 4 for the rest of his life.

 

He stuck with July 2. History didn’t.