Number of shots or gun salute for Independence Day celebration?
Posted By RichC on July 4, 2022
According to a little American Revolutionary War reading this past year, our Declaration of Independence was celebrated on July 4, 1777 with a 13-gun salute in the morning and 13-gun salute in the evening (13 for the 13 colonies).
Interestingly, many historians suggest that the Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 2, 1776 and not on July 4th.
John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:
The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
A Wikipedia posting suggested that John Adam’s prediction was off by two days as from the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2. In either case, have a great July 4th and be sure to honor those who fought for our independence and those for the last 246 years who have preserved it.
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