Illumination

It's Fourth of July yet again, and I am thinking about the second President of the United States, John Adams. Last year, Hugh asked me why Americans make a big deal out of Independence Day, and I didn't have an answer for him. However, in the meantime, I stumbled along this quote from John to his beloved wife Abigail:

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.

Add in a hamburger, my mother's potato salad, a bottle of light beer, and a pool, and I'm right there with you, Johnny. Happy 4th, everyone!

(*the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 2, 1776. It would take two days to ratify it, making the official birth date of America, July 4, 1776.)