Happy Lee Resolution & Independence Days

I wanted to check my memory, so I did a little research.

According to Wikipedia (which knows everything, right? (ha ha, kidding!), the Lee resolution was the act of the Second Continental Congress which declared the 13 colonies to be independent of the British Empire. The resolution was approved on July 2, 1776. The text of the document formalizing the action, the Declaration of Independence is what was approved on July 4, 1776.

So why isn't July 2nd the "big day" we Americans celebrate? Simple really - the colonies were at war in 1777 and no one remembered the anniversary of July 2. They realized it on the 3rd, so opted to celebrate the 4th and the Declaration instead. (How many husbands of the world would like to allow their wedding anniversary date to slide around like that?!). And really, how many "average Americans" would really understand the passage of the actual resolution on 7/2, vs. that beautiful, script July 4, 1776 we see on the Declaration?

Here's an amusing snippit from the Wikipedia entry, which I have also seen elsewhere, which makes me believe the whole "oops, we forgot the big anniversary so we'll make a new one...." This is from a letter John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3:

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. 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."

So, how did you celebrate?
The Minnesota Battans hosted the whole Franta clan from Nebraska for a few days. There were trips to MOA, Fawn-Doe-Rosa, Winehaven Winery, Eichten's Cheese and work on the fabulous new beagle-proof fence. There was a small incident regarding fireworks and some very sad little cousins, but in general it was a great weekend. Photos and more of the tale coming soon.

Just mark your calendars for next year - Celebrate Lee Resolution Day (people will think you're silly, but isn't that what life is all about?!)