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.
This is the origin of our tradition of fireworks on Independence Day.
The future second President of the United States proclaimed it.
-PJ
Great letter from Adams!
All here should note that during the vote- at the very last minute—Delegate from Delaware (of all places) Caesar Rodney (who had facial cancer and wrapped his head with green silk) rode 80 miles (switching horses) 48 hours to make the vote and break a potential NO vote to declare Independance. Exhausted covered in mud and what all- he collapse in his chair to vote as chair of their delegation. A close thing such resolution.