Congress approved the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776, two days before the Declaration’s adoption celebrated by America250.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution on June 7, 1776. It proposed that the colonies should be declared free and independent states, that foreign alliances should be considered, and that a plan of confederation should be prepared.
The Second Continental Congress approved the independence portion on July 2. The Declaration of Independence followed on July 4 as a formal explanation of that decision, setting out the principles and grievances behind the separation from Great Britain.
John Adams believed July 2 would become the celebrated national date, but July 4 became the enduring holiday because it was printed on the Declaration and associated with the public statement of independence. America250 therefore marks July 4, while July 2 remains a crucial date in the independence process.