History Lesson for the Day OR If we all celebrate the 4th what the heck was Adams talking about in yesterday's letter?

As a history geek like myself never learned this in any formal class, but rather, from an long-time German friend one 4th while he was here for a visit, (Hi Thomas!) here is the straight story:

The congress did indeed vote to separate from Great Britain on the 2nd, but did not adopt the final wording of the Declaration of Independence until July 4th, 1776.

So, there you have it. This should probably really be the week-end we all celebrate anyway.

While we are on the subject, go here for a sifty Hypertext version of the seminal document.