What's that? You're all getting ready to call the authorities because you're worried I've gone senile or snapped? Well, not so fast there!
Quick history lesson for those of you who didn't pay attention in school (like me): The Declaration Of Independence was actually ratified on July 2nd, 1776.
In fact John Adams even encouraged the country to celebrate its independence on July 2nd. In a letter to his wife Abigail, Adams said, "The Second Day of July 1776 will be the most memorable Epocha in the History of America. 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."
Unfortunately news of the event didn't hit papers until two days later, on July 4th (things moved a lot slower back then). Because that's the date most people learned of the news, July 4th ended up becoming our Independence Day.
If only they'd had the internet back then, we'd be celebrating two days sooner!
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