Friday, July 4, 2014

The American Bicentennial 1776 - 1976


1776 - 1976
The American Bicentennial

Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of The United States of America 1776-1976

An American Bicentennial Commemorative Card
Heirloom Collector Series

unused

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During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the wording of the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4.

A day earlier, John Adams had written 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 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.

Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2.

2 comments:

luvlinens said...

1976 seems like yesterday. I was living in the village in NYC at the time. I saw the tall ships from the roof of my apartment building. I remember the beautiful fireworks at the Statue of liberty all set to music. The city was alive and super charged with excitement. Course I was a lot younger at the time and loved a party.

Postcard Blogger said...

That sounds like something I would have loved to have seen. How lucky for you!