Seeing the fireworks through Adams' eyes

The Independence Day fireworks you enjoy this week are at least a partial fulfillment of the kind of celebration John Adams envisioned when the United States Of America was only coming into being.

The Continental Congress voted approval of an independence resolution on July 2, 1776. On July 3rd, Adams wrote to Abigail Adams the following:

The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable , 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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. 

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory.

The July 2nd vote is largely overlooked now. Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence as written by Thomas Jefferson on July 4th.