Independence Day

John Adams, our second President, wrote this to his wife on July 3, 1776:

"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."

Alright, so the guy was off by a couple of days. Cut him some slack.

Incidentally, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826.

Today, President Bush said:

"Two hundred thirty-one years ago, 56 brave men signed their names to a bold creed of freedom that set the course of our Nation and changed the history of the world. On this anniversary, we remember the great courage and conviction of our Founders, and we celebrate the enduring principles of our Declaration of Independence."

This is how I reflect on this July 4, 2007. Our country reaches farther, and we have to bind together to get through these next few years. We have a rich history in America that I deeply respect. America is the greatest nation on Earth.

You can click one of the thumbnails on the right to watch some fireworks. Yeah, I know. I'm a nerd.