What July 2, 1776, resolution set the independence vote behind America250 in motion?

The Lee Resolution set the independence vote behind America250 in motion on July 2, 1776.

Introduced by Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee, the resolution declared that the United Colonies should be free and independent states. The Second Continental Congress adopted it on July 2, two days before adopting the Declaration of Independence. The declaration then explained the reasons and principles associated with that decision.

The July 2 vote is an important neighboring fact because the national holiday is celebrated on July 4. John Adams believed July 2 would be remembered as the great anniversary, but the date printed on the Declaration and used for public celebrations became July 4.

The Lee Resolution was not the same document as the Declaration of Independence. It was a formal congressional resolution about separation, while the Declaration presented a public statement and justification. America250 commemorates the broader independence process, with July 4 as its central anniversary date.