John Adams foresaw Independence Day popularity. Here's why he thought it would be celebrated July 2.

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence.

Immediately, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress approved it on July 4.

A day earlier, 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."

Adams's prediction was off by two days.

Still, from the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the Declaration of Independence. Two hundred and forty-six years later, we're preparing celebrations all over the country.

So as we enter into the week, we can remember that John Adams declared it worthy of loud noises and illuminations. For those of us who might prefer a quieter holiday, we must not forget his admonition.

A little trivia, in a remarkable coincidence, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers to later serve as presidents of the United States, died on the same day, July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.

Although not a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Founding Father President James Monroe also died on July 4, 1831, thus becoming the third president who died on this memorable day.

So for freedom, we celebrate and remember all those who have sacrificed so much for us.

Find Connie’s book, “Daily Cures: Wisdom for Healthy Aging,” at www.justnowoldenough.com.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: John Adams predicted Independence Day but thought it would be July 2