July Check-In and Updates

If you're like me, your Independence Day was a little muted because of social distancing and the fact that many of our city and community Independence Day events were cancelled. John Adams, one of the our most prominent founders and our second president, actually envisioned Americans celebrating our nation's birthday with food and festivities and with the big fireworks shows. Writing to his wife Abigail, John Adams said, "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as a 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."

Interestingly, the day that Adams thought future generations would celebrate was not July 4th, but July 2nd, the day the Continental Congress voted for independence.

At great risk and sacrifice to themselves and their families, our founders gave us much to be grateful for and celebrate. I hope that we are able to celebrate it in true fashion next year, as Adams envisioned, "…with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other." And I hope, "…with solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty" in Whom we trust.

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