Repost from 2 years ago: Happy 4th of July!

Two hundred and thirty two years ago the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. Two days earlier on July 2 the legislative body voted to approve the Resolution of Independence, a measure proposed by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. On July 3, 1776 John Adams wrote his wife Abigail about how he felt the second of July should go down as a historic day.

"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."

We may be a few days off from what John Adams had in mind but I think we caught the spirit of the day. I told Melissa last night that I think this is my favorite holiday. Part of it is because I am somewhat patriotic and I love following the movement of our government. But I love this holiday because it's a day of celebration.

On the Fourth of July we gather as communities, families and neighbors and execute the ideas John Adams had for us. We do celebrate our Independence with parades, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations. We also get the great chance to be united. We gather together as a country expressing our gratitude to our maker for the freedoms we enjoy.

I'm grateful for the freedom of expression (it gives me a job), I'm grateful to worship as I choose, I'm grateful that those who choose can protect themselves if they so desire by buying a gun, I'm grateful that I'm guaranteed the right to due process. We have so many rights that other citizens of the world can only dream of.

To honor John Adams today I will see a show, I've helped broadcast a sports game, and tonight I will see our sky illuminated. Thank you John for paving the way for us to have a great party, but also for the hard work you gave to help give us the freedoms we enjoy today. On a side note, many believe the Declaration of Independence was signed on this day, July 4. The real story goes that the signatures we not actually on the document till August 2, 1776. I say lets have another celebration that day too!