On July 2, 1776, two days before the Declaration of Independence was signed, John Adams wrote this letter to his wife:

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"This day will be most memorable in the history of America," he predicted. "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... bonfires and illuminations (fireworks)...from one end of this content to the other, from this time forward forevermore."

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