INDEPENDENCE DAY
The birth of a nation
On July 2nd 1776
representatives of the Thirteen Colonies,
during a session of the Second Continental Congress,
voted to approve a “resolution of independence.”
Two days later, July 4th 1776
congress debated, revised and finally approved
this DECLARATION of INDEPENDENCE.
On July 3rd John Adams
wrote a letter to his wife Abigail.
In it he stated…..
“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.”
Adams's prediction was off by two days.
From the outset, rather than on July 2,
the date the resolution of independence
was approved in a closed session of Congress,
Americans have celebrated our independence
on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized
Declaration of Independence.
Americans still celebrate on the 4th of July,
but I’m not convinced that the majority of people
have the slightest inkling
as to the true significance of the day.
Think of it,,,,
a new nation was being born.
Oh, it’s happened many, many times since,
but not once on such a grand scale.
For that new nation to grow
and to one day become
the most powerful nation in the world
is absolutely amazing.
Our founding fathers were so wise.
Doesn’t it make you wish
we could bring them back
to straighten up the mess we are in today?
This year, as we celebrate the holiday, please encourage a moment of silence to commemorate the true meaning of the day and to honor not only those who gave so very much to bring us freedom, but those who have continued to give during the protection of that freedom.
I have purposely not reserved the rights to this posting. Much of it came from internet sources anyway; I would be extremely pleased if anyone were to copy it and pass it on.
LET FREEDOM RING.
Chip Bergeron
Donna