“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it 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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” So said John Adams after the Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776. However, Adams was wrong. America celebrates July 4 as its independence day.
Not known by most Americans, Congress voted to break from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. Yet, Americans chose to ignore this date as a few days later Congress approved Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence—one of the greatest documents ever written for the cause of human freedom. Nonetheless, whether one wishes to accept July 2 or July 4 as Independence Day, it is one thing to vote in favor of or declare independence, but another thing entirely to actually get independence.
Beginning in 1775, the United States fought an eight year war against Great Britain. After the British defeat at Yorktown, Virginia, British and American diplomats working in France signed the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783, thus ending the American Revolution. Britain officially recognized American independence. Perhaps September 3 should be Independence Day. However, the story continues.
While the diplomats agreed to the Treaty of Paris, the legislatures of both countries had to approve it. The United States Congress approved the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784. Then copies of the approved treaty were sent to Britain. Parliament approved the Treaty of Paris on April 9, 1784. At this point, both governments officially recognized American independence making it a reality. Therefore, perhaps April 9 should be celebrated with pomp and parade and fireworks and celebrations. Perhaps….
Copyright © 2019 Mike Chisholm. All rights reserved.
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