“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that is 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 the continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”

John Adams (1735-1826)

Second Letter to Abigail Adams (July 3, 1776)

On July 2, 1776, the resolution for independence, drafted by Robert Henry Lee of Virginia, was adopted by committee including John Adams. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was agreed to, engrossed, signed by John Hancock and sent to the legislature of the States.

Source: Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations