So, he was off by a coupla days . . .

On this date back in 1776, the Continental Congress finally put the great debate to rest and adopted a resolution for independence.

The resolution's most ardent supporter, John Adams, would write to his wife about it:

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.

Well, I'm with Mr. Adams. Let's kick-off the celebrations today, and just carry them forward thru the 4th and beyond!