One of the most common questions about the Declaration of Independence is, “If we celebrate Independence Day on July 4, why wasn’t the Declaration signed until August 2?” Two days later, on July 4, Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence. A few delegates signed at later dates, but August 2 became the great day of signatures. By early August, New York had finally authorized its delegates to support independence, allowing all thirteen colonies to stand united. July 4 proclaimed American independence to the world.