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Far be it from me to rain on any of my fellow Americans' barbecues and fireworks (even parades), but ABSOLUTELY NOTHING happened in Philadelphia on 4 July 1776. Aside from minor discussions concerning the Declaration and its publication, only John Hancock the Congressional President and its Secretary Charles Thomson signed their names to the newly-created document. Thus, (for those who didn't know but care to know) the day we celebrate as the Fourth of July was a routine day, not one of drama and lasting fame. It wouldn't be until August 2 that the actual signing took place. Nevertheless, the precise date was bound to become lost in the revolutionary haze: signing such a document was an act of treason and every effort to keep it secret for a certain period of time was maintained (with the British army just outside of Philadelphia, to do otherwise would have been risking certain death).

Even though they never mentioned it earlier, in their old age both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson would cling to the mistaken belief that the Declaration's signing was on July 4; despite the fact that a few people knew them to be wrong, who would argue with such esteemed men? In one of the most remarkable coincidences in history, both Adams and Jefferson died on July 4, 1826. The date July 4, was accordingly set in stone and would be celebrated as the Fourth of July or Independence Day; hence, it joined the list of numerous other American Revolution misconceptions, ranging from the tyranny of King George (who was NOT a tyrant) to Paul Revere's Ride (who did little riding and was even less a hero).

Nonetheless, I continue to quietly observe the Fourth of July; no longer shooting-off fireworks and no longer lighting-up barbecues, rather observing its legacy. I remember stories my grandfather told of how he had fought at the Somme during WWI and stories from my father who had fought at Normandy during WWII (in boths wars, it should be respectfully acknowledged, alongside our former adversaries in the Revolution)...and I, who had fought nowhere but on the "battlefield" of my often demon-besieged mind, could better appreciate their stories and the stories of millions like them.

Today's news, reeking with the disappointment and deceit of empty suits with their empty promises, fades into the brightness of American history (the myth only serves to enhance it) when I escape into its allure. The Promise that stood behind the Spirit of Independence becomes somewhat easier to believe in...and of its Document that was so heatedly signed, so proudly sealed, so courageously delivered, and somehow became so feebly and carelessly remembered.


Source: David McCullough JOHN ADAMS