During the first months of the Revolutionary War, after the 13 colonies had all voted in favor of independence from Britain, Congress began to write a declaration, which became the Declaration of Independence. Before it was even finished and signed, an enthusiastic John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife stating how the occasion of America’s freedom should be celebrated. It read:
“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, 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 solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
Adams was off by a few days, but the Fourth of July was most certainly celebrated in a way he would have liked. Here’s more about why July 2 should be America’s true Independence Day.
The Meaning of July 4th
Most important its the realization that a more peaceful world is within our grasp if we rise to the challenge of understanding and accepting our role as the leader of the free world. There is no question that patriotism is always a virtue worth cultivating. Regardless of our political differences, all of us cherish our country, our freedoms and our prosperity.
When we celebrate our nation’s birth on July 4th, we should be sobered by the sacrifices that have been made that enable us to be who we are today.
