Thought on the Fourth of July
This is Jean Sexton posting.
Shortly after the Declaration of Independence was written and signed, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail. About the signing of the Declaration, he wrote, "I am apt to believe 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 forevermore."
And so we celebrate the Fourth. Parades and fireworks, a day off work for many, good food eaten with friends and family, laughter and happiness are all part of our celebrations. It is a good thing to remember that this grand country, the United States of America, has endured for over 200 years.
But back in 1776, the outcome was by no means certain. Those who signed this document were considered traitors to England. If the colonies lost the war, these men could not deny they had advocated rebellion. John Adams was well aware of this. He continued in his letter, "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."
The end didn't arrive until 1783, with The Treaty of Paris. More than eight years of fighting took its toll; over 100,000 people died during the war, many from diseases.
Freedom is rarely free. Ours today is still supported by the brave men and women who fought and fight for our nation, as exemplified by the Constitution. They deserve our gratitude and our support. Remember to thank them today. If you know the family of someone serving, remember that their loved one may be far away, keeping our country safe.
And let us do our part for the United States and honor this pledge given by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
Happy birthday America!
Shortly after the Declaration of Independence was written and signed, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail. About the signing of the Declaration, he wrote, "I am apt to believe 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 forevermore."
And so we celebrate the Fourth. Parades and fireworks, a day off work for many, good food eaten with friends and family, laughter and happiness are all part of our celebrations. It is a good thing to remember that this grand country, the United States of America, has endured for over 200 years.
But back in 1776, the outcome was by no means certain. Those who signed this document were considered traitors to England. If the colonies lost the war, these men could not deny they had advocated rebellion. John Adams was well aware of this. He continued in his letter, "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."
The end didn't arrive until 1783, with The Treaty of Paris. More than eight years of fighting took its toll; over 100,000 people died during the war, many from diseases.
Freedom is rarely free. Ours today is still supported by the brave men and women who fought and fight for our nation, as exemplified by the Constitution. They deserve our gratitude and our support. Remember to thank them today. If you know the family of someone serving, remember that their loved one may be far away, keeping our country safe.
And let us do our part for the United States and honor this pledge given by the signers of the Declaration of Independence. "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
Happy birthday America!
posted by Federation Commander at 8:28 AM
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