Friday, July 3, 2009

July 3, 1776 - July 3, 2009

As any one who knows me well enough knows I don't care much for American History, say for the Revolutionary period. Here is a segment of some letters that John Adams Wrote his Wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776.

Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men. A Resolution was passed without one dissenting Colony "that these united Colonies, are, and of right ought to be free and independent States, and as such, they have, and of Right ought to have full Power to make War, conclude Peace, establish Commerce, and to do all the other Acts and Things, which other States may rightfully do." You will see in a few days a Declaration setting forth the Causes, which have impell'd Us to this mighty Revolution, and the Reasons which will justify it, in the Sight of God and Man. A Plan of Confederation will be taken up in a few days.

But the Day is past. 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 commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. 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.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.


I don't know about you, but Adams' letter, though maybe hard to understand a bit here and there. Without a doubt though it is clear that Adams had a hope about this country that it would be something great. Even before the the actual idea of victory in this war was even a thought to be considered as sane or reasonable, Adams believed that Americans for generations to come would look at this event as the turning point in American history, the world would change because of it,and we should celebrate it as such. He encourages use to give Thanks to God Almighty and to celebrate with the loudest joy and pride we can muster for this great nation of ours. So as America in 2009, faces great challenges and hardships let us remember the greatness and potential that our forefathers saw in this democratic experiment that is America, and may we once again in the midst of chaos and trouble reach for the Hope that Adams had.

2 comments:

Deg said...

I greatly enjoyed the holiday and thankful for the beautiful America and the ability to gather, to celebrate, to cross state lines, and have a whole bunch of fun. We may make some poor decisions as a nation, but I'm quite glad to live here.

Bradius said...

Agreed!