07/02/2024
It’s that time once again when I like to remind folks of some useless trivia... that TODAY — July SECOND — Is the real Independence Day!
It was on SECOND (not Fourth) of July — 248 years ago — that the Continental Congress passed the resolution that the 13 colonies would break away from England and become “free and independent states.”
On the morning after this seismic vote, John Adams write his wife (and closest friend and adviser) Abigail about the everlasting historical significance of what they had done the afternoon before. He predicted to her how JULY SECOND be forever celebrated…
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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 triumph in that Days Transaction..."