PICTURED ABOVE: Reading the Declaration of Independence by John Nixon from the steps of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. Wood engraving by Edwin Austin Abbey, 1876. Library of Congress, no known restrictions on publication.
Director Kim Mueller reflects on July 2, July 4, and the unfinished work of forming a more perfect union.
One year, when I was still a sitting judge, my chambers hosted a July 2 celebration. It was not simply because we all happened to be in the courthouse that day, a workday. We were honoring John Adams’s prediction that July 2 would be remembered as our country’s birthday.
Writing in the language of his time, Adams said the second of July “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.” And it was on July 2, 1776, that the Continental Congress approved the resolution declaring America’s freedom from Great Britain.
That resolution was a short, straightforward statement. The delegates knew, however, that it needed to be supported by a fuller explanation, one that would persuade and motivate commitment to securing the promise of independence. It took two more days of deliberation and revision to finalize what we now know as the Declaration of Independence, which Congress approved on July 4. Once printed, the Declaration was read publicly for the first time in Independence Square in Philadelphia on July 8.
For many years now, I have marked Independence Day on July 4 by reading the Declaration aloud with friends, whoever I am with that day. We take turns reading a paragraph or a line at a time. As the Declaration moves through its many charges against the King, our reading builds to a crescendo, matching the founders’ righteous indignation.
We read all of the language, including some that is cringeworthy to modern ears, as a reminder of how our nation began its journey toward independence. That independence set us free to chart a path toward a country dedicated to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all, equally. It also set us on the constant, worthy work of forging a more perfect union.
For more on the history behind the dates, the National Constitution Center offers this helpful explanation of why we celebrate Independence Day on July 4, even though Congress voted for independence on July 2. And if you find yourself in Philadelphia, the Center is just steps from Independence Square and well worth a visit.
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Want to learn more about our courts and the rule of law? The Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law is offering a special presentation of its online course, Civics Break, for America’s 250th. Learn more about the course on our website.