If you want, you may begin celebrating July 4th on July 2nd, this Sunday.
And why not?
Get the grill fired up and cook some ribs or go deep into New Mexico fare and prepare your best red and green chiles. Ease your party vibe into the 4th. Glide slowly.
The original vote on independence for the colonies from British rule by the Continental Congress was held and approved on July 2,1776 but was formally accepted on July 4, 1776, at the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
You might want to serve up some lemonade for the festivities but on the anniversary of independence in 1778 George Washington called for double rations of rum for his soldiers, according to the history books.
There were five members of the committee from Congress that were tasked to write the draft of a statement separating from British rule. One of the members was Thomas Jefferson who wrote most of the Declaration of Independence. Another member was John Adams of Massachusetts who reportedly refused throughout his life to celebrate on July 4th because he considered July 2 to be the accurate date.
That did not keep him from predicting great happiness for the celebration.
Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, that July 2 “will be celebrated by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.” He added that the day would be one of, “Pomp and Parade..Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one end of the Continent to the other.”
Historians could argue he missed the correct date of the celebration but cannot quarrel with Adams’ description of the fanfare and joy of the day and of the general happiness that pervades it.
Americans are an independent lot, and we still value a trait that was imbued in us by those Founding Fathers.
Yes, the 4th of July is meant for celebration but it’s also a day when we should pause and cherish the words honoring equality and dignity for all people who make up this patchwork quilt of diversity.