It Was Intended to Be an Expression of the American Mind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thursday, July 4, 2002 --  tork

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha 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, forevermore.

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 triumph in that day's transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.

John Adams to his wife Abigail, 3 July 1776.

He might have been off a few days, but John Adams saw both the horrible cost and the great promise ahead for this, his nascent country.

Happy 4^th of July.