On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Lee Resolution:
Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.
That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.
The Lee Resolution, July 2, 1776, as adopted by the Continental Congress.
That evening the news hit the papers:
This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States.
Pennsylvania Evening Post, July 2, 1776.
John Adams wrote 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.
John Adams to Abigail Adams, personal correspondence, July 3, 1776.
John Adams was almost immediately proven wrong: July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence, was the day Americans chose to celebrate the dissolution of ties with Great Britain.