On July 3rd, 1776, one day after the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of declaring independence from Britain, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, suggesting that the event be celebrated by the nation in perpetuity:
"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, 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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to
maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory."
For more: Butterfield, L. H., Marc Friedlaender, and Mary-Jo Kline, eds. The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1975.