A colleague of ours, here at RACmonitor, a colleague whose modesty keeps us from revealing his identity, is a straight shooter and for good reason: he served his country as an officer in the US Army. And he's also an Eagle Scout.

While a number of us were wishing each other a "happy Fourth of July" and otherwise were contemplating the typical fun and excitement that comes from watching parades and fireworks - all of which has historical precedence - he, this unnamed colleague, in an email, shared with us a footnote about the Fourth of July.

Citing as his source, "A Tradition of Celebration by the Adams Family," our colleague emailed to us the following account:

After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written 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. "

Adams' prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

To you, our visitors and listeners, all of us at RACmonitor and Monitor Monday wish you a Fourth of July in keeping with John Adams, and in the light of recently passed 3-Day Payment issue, Section 102, may you do so with unbundled happiness.

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