Q: Is it true that the only people who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4 were John Hancock and Charles Thomson? Was the actual ceremony on Aug. 2, 1776?
—Jeff Bashuk, Decatur
A: The Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776, and an edited and revised copy of the Declaration of Independence was dated July 4, but no one signed the document until Aug. 2, according to www.ourdocuments.gov, a website of important documents in U.S. history. That original copy bore the names of John Hancock, the president of the Continential Congress, and Charles Thomson, secretary to the Continental Congress. Congress ordered a new copy with larger writing on July 19, and titled it "The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America." Hancock was the first to put his name on the new document, signing it in large, bold letters. Not all the delegates were present on Aug. 2, but 56 eventually signed it. John Adams actually thought July 2 would be the date that wold be remembered, stating in letters it would be marked with fireworks and celebrations, according to www.archives.gov, the National Archives' website.
Q: A few weeks ago, there was an article in the AJC regarding the new passport office in Atlanta. Is it possible to get the address and phone number of that office?
—Chana Bermann, Dunwoody
A: The Atlanta Passport Agency, which opened in May 2011, is at 230 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30303. Appointments are required and can be scheduled at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY). The office provides same-day service for U.S. citizens with urgent travel plans.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We'll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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