--John Adams, Second President of the United States
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress had voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2, but it was not declared until July 4.
John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:
“The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. . . 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 this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
Adams's prediction was off by two days. . From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence.
To all our Readers, May you enjoy your 4th of July, America's Independence Day. . .
--Jim Cardle, Gil Rodriguez & Texas Insider Staff
