We all know that July 4th is Independence Day! The Declaration of independence was signed on July 4, 1776, declaring our independence and separation from Britain. Before he was president, our second president, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail:
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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 shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more. (“Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, ‘Had a Declaration…’”. Adams Family Papers. Massachusetts Historical Society. Retrieved June 28, 2009.)
So 1 year later, on our country's first birthday, our brand new nation celebrated its birthday with fireworks!
