John Adams addressed the Continental Congress on July1, 1776. Thomas Jefferson said that Adams was, "not graceful or elegant, nor remarkably fluent," but spoke "with a power of thought and expression that moved us from our seats." It indeed was effective. The next day July 2nd, in 1776 the delegates approved the Declaration of Independence.
Adams wrote to his wife Abigail: "The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe 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."
On July 4th the delegates voted a second time for the Declaration of Independence. At noon on July 8th it was read to the public and officially signed on August 2nd. Today, 235 years later, we are entering a long Independence Day weekend that will be celebrated much as John Adams wished. May we also observe our freedom with "solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty." (David McCullough, John Adams, p. 127, 130).
We'll be off until July 11. Enjoy the holiday and be safe.