Tonight, we have been invited to a private party in Addison to watch the 2nd biggest fireworks display in the country. I don't know how they can make that determination but that's what "they" say. I am thoughtful of the place the men who signed the Declaration were at, emotionally and physically. How did they feel? What were they thinking? What would I do if I had been there? What would you do? July 2, 1776 "
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, even althoWe should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."
John Adams to his wife, Abigail.
