On July 4th, most Americans gather forth to celebrate the country's independence from Great Britain and passage of the Declaration of Independence. What most don't know is that as important at the Declaration is, there is one slightly earlier document from which everything else became possible. I speak, of course, of the Lee Resolution.

Before it was possible to be independent or to write up a document declaring that intent, Congress needed someone to actually propose a resolution that could actually be voted upon. That day came on June 7, 1776. Richard Henry Lee, delegate from Virginia, gave voice to a resolution that had been passed by the Virginia provisional government:

    Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right 

    ought to be, free and independent States, that they 

    are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, 

    and that all political connection between them and the 

    State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally 

    dissolved.

    That it is expedient forthwith to take the most 

    effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

    That a plan of confederation be prepared and 

    transmitted to the respective Colonies for their 

    consideration and approbation. 

This resolution started the United Colonies down that road that would lead to what Americans celebrate every year on July 4th. During the next working session of the congress on June 10, they postponed acting on the resolution until a committee could write up a formal declaration. It was also during this period that most of the nascent states got instructions from their legislatures to vote for the resolution when it reached the floor.

On July 2, the resolution was passed. America had declared its independence, leading the way, two days later, for the Congress to agree to the wording of the Declaration. And thus the stage was set for colonies to break away from their mother nation for the first time.

What is amazing is that we still have the resolution with a record of the voting colonies still on it (New York abstained). Without this little piece of paper and what it represents, a new nation might not have been forged out of the fires that started in 1775 at Lexington and Concord (the first battle of the Revolutionary War).

As we celebrate the Declaration, and Jefferson, and Adams (John for being obnoxious and disliked, Sam for making some mighty fine beer--and being just as persistent as his cousin)...let's not forget to at least give a nod to Mr. R. H. Lee who place in posterity isn't as well remembered but is no less important.