 Proud American, I'm Tonya J. Powers. Even though today is the day America celebrates its independence, the Continental Congress actually voted in favor of the resolution on July 2nd before formally adopting it two days later. It prompted John Adams to send a letter to his wife saying that July 2nd would be celebrated by succeeding generations and include games, guns, bells, and bonfires. He was a couple of days off, but yes, America's celebrations have continued.