We should be celebrating on July 2.

Representatives of the 13 colonies, called the Second Continental Congress, actually voted on July 2, 1776, in Philadelphia to declare independence.

John Adams believed that day would be marked with celebrations throughout the nation's history.

But it wasn't until two days later that a congressional committee approved the final draft. And it wasn't until Aug. 2 that delegates signed the document.

But when it went to the printer, July 4 was affixed in big letter at the top of the broadsheets.