John Adams Was Wrong (Partially) About Independence Day

John Adams correctly predicted in 1776 that the vote in Philadelphia by the Second Continental Congress to approve America's independence from Great Britain would be an event celebrated by countless generations.  Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, that

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as to the great anniversary festival...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."

Wrong by Two Days:  Adams' prophecy, however, was wrong on one important point: he missed the date of the future celebrations by two days.  He wrote that "the second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America."  July 2, 1776 is the day that a preliminary vote for independence occurred.  However, it was not until July 4th that the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the actual Declaration of Independence.

John Adams:  Adams, of course, was a tireless worker for independence, on the committee to draft the Declaration that Thomas Jefferson actually penned, and went on to become the nation's second president in 1797.

Celebrations:  I trust you all had a wonderful 4th of July celebration with family and friends - a good time to step back and gratefully remember the incredible freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

Mike Purdy's Public Contracting Blog 

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