On July 2nd, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted a resolution stating that "that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states." Two days later, on July 4, they adopted the Declaration of Independence, read here for you by (in order of appearance):

Bob Crawford, The Road to Now

Lindsay Graham, History Daily

Greg Jackson, History That Doesn't Suck

Lindsey Cormack, Government That Doesn't Suck

Ben Sawyer, The Road to Now

Colleen Shogan, In Pursuit

With final commentary by Lindsay Graham.