happy 4th

I've mentioned John Adams letters to his wife Abigail before, but I especially loved this letter, too. Dated July 3, 1776, future president John Adams predicted the fourth of July to be something like this:

"...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 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."

I've been especially patriotic in some ways since the eighth grade, (and yes - I thought former President Bush was super cute) but reading that part of his letter earlier this morning made me feel so especially grateful that John Adams was exactly right.

Happy 4th of July!