Today’s optional discussion topic: National myths. America’s 250th seems like a good time to kick around this subject.
On July 2, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formalizing the United States’ breaking away from England. “[Independence Day] will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America,” John Adams wrote. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival… 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 for Adams’ prediction, later generations chose to celebrate July 4 instead, because that was the day that a slightly revised version of the Declaration was released to the public.