On July 3, 1776, John Adams shared the paragraph below in a letter to his beloved wife Abigail. His words refer to a document he and fellow members of the Continental Congress were in the process of authoring that would have a ripple effect throughout history. I’m sure when the members signed it, they must have done so with a sense of exultation, as well as a touch of trepidation, knowing their actions would embroil them in further conflict.

“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.”

The action of signing that document was a linchpin in the American Revolutionary War between the U.S. and Britain, yet here our two countries are, almost 250 years later, allies through thick and thin. And we Americans celebrate our independence, not on July 2 as John Adams imagined, but on July 4, when the document is actually dated.

But John Adams had one thing completely right: the spirit with which Americans celebrate Independence Day! So as you go about your day, enjoying parades and fireworks, barbecues with family and friends, and/or (hopefully) relishing a day of R and R,  take a moment of pride in our ancestors for their foresight, courage and spirit of Independence that led them to lay claim to independence on this day!

Wishing you all a happy and safe Independence Day!

Originally published in the July 4, 2019 issue of Beyond the Nest’s free weekly newsletter.