July 2, 1776 is the day the United States of America became independent, but we celebrate two days later; Why?
The founders knew there needed to be a unifying document explaining the reasons for independence and not just a vote.
"July 2 Congress voted for independence and proceeded to debate the wording of the Declaration, which was, with the notable deletion of Jefferson’s vehement condemnation of slavery, unanimously approved on the evening of July 4. Every Fourth of July, America celebrates not the actual act of independence (proclaimed on July 2) but rather the public proclamation of the principles behind the act."
http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/the-declaration-of-independence.
http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/the-declaration-of-independence.
On July 4 we celebrate both Independence and the unified Declaration of Independence.
