The Lee Resolution formally declared the American colonies independent before the Declaration celebrated by America250.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution in the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776. Its central proposal stated that the colonies should be free and independent states, released from allegiance to the British Crown.
Congress approved the independence resolution on July 2, 1776. Two days later, it adopted the Declaration of Independence, which explained the reasons for the break and announced the decision to a wider audience. John Adams believed July 2 would become the celebrated anniversary, but July 4 ultimately became the national holiday.
The Lee Resolution and the Declaration are related but not identical. The resolution made the political decision; the Declaration presented its philosophical justification and list of grievances. This distinction is a common source of confusion when people compare July 2 and July 4.