On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote:
I am apt to believe that [Independence Day] 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.
In these "times that try men's souls," to employ Thomas Paine's memorable phrase, let us never forget the "Toil and Blood and Treasure" expended to secure our liberties since the foundation of this Republic, and let us spare no expense of the same to defend what has been handed on to us.
Happy Independence Day, and God Bless America!
Article tags: America, Founding Fathers, Fourth of July, United States of America
