I ranted a little earlier about passing on myths. It was recently pointed out to me that I incorrectly passed on a myth myself. I recently stated in my post on July 3rd that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th. A little research into this was fascinating.
It was actually on July 2nd that the Continental Congress declared independence from the rule of England. The founding fathers thought this would be the date that would be celebrated for years to come. John Adams wrote: "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America" and celebrate it as their "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."
On July 4th the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Congress putting their declaration two days earlier into writing. However, the famous handwritten Declaration on display at the National Archives in Washington, DC was not prepared until after July 19 and signed by most delegates on August 2.
On July 3, 1777 members of congress remembered a day late to honor July 2, so instead they celebrated on the 4th of July.
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One of the most enduring myths about Independence Day is that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The myth had become so firmly established that, decades after the event and nearing the end of their lives, even the elderly Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had come to believe that they and the other delegates had signed the Declaration on the fourth. However, most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776.
7/10/83 - my personal day of freedom. I can even give you the time - 12:44pm.
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