(TENNESSEE VALLEY LIVING) - Many people -- including President John Adams -- felt very strongly that Independence Day should be celebrated on July 2. Here’s why.
It was on this day that Congress *voted to declare* freedom. But -- what exactly would that mean? What would an independent nation practically look like? That is what was discussed for the next two days in 1776.
Late nights of deliberating of course led to several modifications, but on July 4th -- Congress formally approved a *written* Declaration of Independence, stating, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
So -- which is it?! July 2 or July 4? Arguably, one could defend both dates -- so here’s to eating an extra hot dog and a slice of watermelon.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!
Copyright 2026 WAFF. All rights reserved.