The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.
-John Adams, writing to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776
I notice that Adams makes no mention of cooking outdoors and bike riding, the most popular activities in my neighborhood this weekend.
Naturally my wise and savvy blog readers know why he selected July 2. I'm always amused that Adams thought we'd celebrate the committe's action in adopting the resolution rather than its signing by Hancock and being sent to the legislatures. One of these is far more dramatic and easy to understand than the other. Great man, Adams, but sometimes lacking in perspective. This is probably why I like him so much.
Happy Independence Day everyone!
2 comments:
All you need to know about htis day are the words the Founding Fathers concluded the Declaration with upon it's signing...the words 'we pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor'...and most of them lost at least two of the three.
I notice that Adams makes no mention of cooking outdoors and bike riding, the most popular activities in my neighborhood this weekend.
It seems that the most popular activiity in my neighborhood this weekend is to hold bottle rockets and roman candles in one's bare hands and then light them.
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