Did you know John Adams said this to his wife?

Happy America Week!

As we gear up for the 4th of July festivities, it’s the perfect time to set the record straight about a little-known fact in our nation’s history.

While we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th, did you know that the actual declaration of our independence happened on July 2nd?

It’s true!

It’s an example of something all too common when it comes to Americans and history—they simply don’t know the truth!

Why? Because most history books present a superficial version of our past, leaving out the inspiring and human parts that make it truly interesting and meaningful.

Here’s the real story:

On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress officially voted for independence from Great Britain. John Adams was so thrilled about this monumental decision that he wrote to his wife, Abigail, predicting that July 2nd would be celebrated for generations as the great anniversary festival.

However, the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence didn’t happen until July 4th.That’s the date that made it onto the document itself, which is why we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th instead of the 2nd. 

Here’s what John said to his wife: 

“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, 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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

Wow.

That’s a powerful insight into John Adam’s heart and mind that most people haven’t ever seen.

It’s unfortunate that this story, and many others like it, are left out of our history education.

Most textbooks focus on dates, names, and places, but they fail to convey the essence of why these events matter. They miss the stories of real people—their struggles and triumphs—and the profound impact these events have had on our world.

But we’re on a mission to change that.

Our books bring history to life, connecting the past with the present in a way that is engaging and meaningful.

We believe that understanding the true stories of our nation’s founding can inspire both kids and adults to appreciate the values of freedom, independence, and resilience that once were synonymous with being American.

Today is the start of our weeklong celebration of America’s independence.

Our resources do more than just teach history—they tie past events to current lessons and future implications, making history relevant, memorable and useful.

Most history classes teach a rote memorization of events, but they don’t explain how those events shape the world we live in today.

Our Tuttle Twins books go beyond the superficial to show how the lessons learned from the past apply to our present and future.

Even though most people don’t know the true history of this country, the parents and kids who read our Tuttle Twins America’s History books do.

They get the full story—the inspiring tales of courage and conviction that shaped our country and more importantly, they learn why those stories matter and apply to our current day.

This week, let’s celebrate the spirit of independence by learning and teaching the true stories of our past. Get your copies of America’s History now and get started equipping your family with the tools to understand and appreciate our nation’s rich history. 

Together, we can inspire the next generation to value and uphold the principles that made America exceptional.

Happy Independence Day! 

— Connor