A surprising number of people are confused about the history behind the 4th of July celebration. With the important holiday coming up, here is a primer:
"Adoption" is the key word as the actual "resolution of independence' was voted on and passed on July 2nd, 1776. This resolution declared the thirteen colonies as being now independent from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence explained the decision. After some revisions by congress, it passed on July 4th.
A historical note, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence, both died on the same day, July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing.
