Happy Birthday, America!
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 forever more.
John Adams to Abigail, July 3, 1776
John may have had the date wrong, but the sentiment remains the same (the vote on the Declaration took place on July 2 but the text was sent to the printer on the 4th). The text is found in the last post. So…
Hope every on of you out there is having a great 4th! Went to church this morning and held a sweet baby girl for a while [okay – she’s like 9mos old now but still a sweetie] in the nursery. Olive Garden with Kelley. The Davises, sis, and Kelley came over and hung out until time to go to see fireworks at Twin Oaks Country Club – the parking lot across the street has a great view! Davises, some of their family and my neighbor’s parents came with us. After that, neighbor’s dad and I showed the kids the planets in the night sky [okay, after Terry showed me!] and then did a bit of star gazing around the glare of the fireworks coming from all directions. Maybe we’ll get a chance to look again later this week!