When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

What does this answer mean?

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. That's why July 4 is celebrated every year as Independence Day.

It happened in steps. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence, approving a resolution that Richard Henry Lee of Virginia had introduced in June. Congress then spent the next two days revising the Declaration, the document that explained the decision. It formally adopted the Declaration on July 4.

Many people think the delegates signed it that day, but the formal signing came later, on August 2, 1776.

The date matters because July 4, 1776, is when the colonies announced to the world that they were free and independent states. The war with Britain continued for years afterward, but Americans count that day as the country's birthday, which connects to the question "What is Independence Day?"

At the interview, say "July 4, 1776."