Happy No Reason Day

So, like so many parts of history, the importance of a date is fantastically incorrect.

I'm talking about July 4th- American independence from England.

But, that's not the right day.

July 1st is when the continental congress voted to declare independence from England.
July 9th is when that vote was actually accepted and signed.

So...why do we even both celebrating the 4th?  As far as the order of important events go surrounding American independence, it's not particularly important.  I've never understood why it is the only holiday besides Christmas and New Year's Day that isn't OBSERVED on a Monday or Friday.

If we're going to be arbitrary about a day to celebrate, why not make it a week of celebrating!?  That way we wouldn't be punish on July 5th for being up late the night before.  (And I do mean everyone- even if you chose NOT to watch the fireworks yourself, you're going to be kept awake all night by the re-enactment of a war zone with all of the booming and cracking.

Or make the holiday start from sundown on the 3rd to sundown on the 4th!  that way the holiday starts on the 3rd, and you can go see the fireworks, but still recover on the 4th.

Guess there weren't enough Jews making the holiday laws for people to consider a holiday running from sundown to sundown.