Independence Eve

Today we celebrate the fact that our nation's independence was declared tomorrow. This day is no different from most of the days preceding our Independence Day, as the American people tend not to do much specialy until the actual day itself. At best, this day is one of anticipation, though it's most likely not even that.

So allow me to propose that we actually start to celebrate July 3rd as a national holiday. Just as our Founding Fathers were on the verge making a bold statement to their oppressors, so we should spend our days remembering their anxiety over an upcoming war (though war had technically already begun at that point) and their bitter division against Loyalists within the Continental Congress that would soon be resolved (though the vote on declaring independence had already occurred as well, and the motion was carried) to much rejoicing.

Until the government decides that July 3rd should be a paid holiday for all citizens (and illegal immigrants, sure), let's all sleep with copies of the Declaration of Independence under our pillows and dream of impassioned, boring speeches (even though no one from the Congress was actually allowed to speak; they communicated by notes), the signing of the document (though it wasn't actually signed until August), the outraged reaction of the king (who must have received it even later than that), and the Phillies winning the World Series.