Tuesday, July 4, 2006

God Bless America



On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote a prophetic letter to his wife Abigail. It foretold the significance of Independence Day.

He wrote:

"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, Bonfire and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

The second president of the United States was right.

230 years later, it is a day of celebration, a great anniversary.

I feel so, so blessed to be an American, to be a member of the "succeeding generations" that inherited independence.

Adams wrote to Abigail that he understood how high the price of liberty would be, but that didn't discourage him.

"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'm so grateful to all those who fought for my freedom -- the American patriots of over two hundred years ago, throughout our history, and today.

3 comments:

Bob Keller said...

Happy 4th of July!

A liberal blogger friend (vigante) sent me this greeting earlier this morning and I thought it was so excellent, I pass it on to you...

"On this day, above all others, we are united in our love of our country, Constitution, and flag, and those who risk their lives serving all of the above."

Best Wishes for the 4th!

the Wizard........

The WordSmith from Nantucket said...

God bless every patriot who's given of himself in whatever capacity to build this great nation of ours into what it is today. And most of all, to our proud military who have made this possible for 230 years and still going strong. God bless us all!

Mary said...

I hope you all had a Happy 4th!