On this Semiquincentennial Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is also notable that it is the Bicentennial Anniversary of the passing of two Founding Fathers, who collaborated on the Declaration of Independence; then became dire political “enemies”; and then reestablished fast friendship by letters until they jointly passed away on July 4, 1826.
Thomas Jefferson passed away early on the 50th Anniversary, and John Adams died in the evening, uttering the statement: “Thomas Jefferson still survives”, not accurate, but an indication of their closeness and collaboration on the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of a new nation.
Interestingly, the 5th President, James Monroe, died on the Fourth of July five years later, in 1831, making three of the first five Presidents and “Founding Fathers”, who died on that most significant national holiday.