Happy Independence Day!

No, this isn't a mistake. On July 2, 1776 the Continental Congress passed the first part of the Lee Resolution. Here's a quote:

"Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

Although the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th was a momentous and laudable occasion, it was actually a list of reasons WHY we had already decided to become independent two days earlier.

Here are some more links about the Lee Resolution.