In 1776, then-future U.S. President John Adams urged that Americans commemorate and rejoice on this day in the following manner:
“The...day [Independence Day]...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.”
Happy 4th of July holiday to all of my readers!
