John Adams on How to Celebrate Nation's Birth

John Adams on how this occasion should be remembered, the beginning of a nation founded on ideas:

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 shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore. 

The 2nd was the day that all the states voted to declare independence.  The 4th was the day the document was actually signed....