Self-evident Truths: The Discerning Before Declaring Independence
Message from the President
July 15, 2010
As I reflect over the festivities of this month during which many of us in the United States celebrated the birth of our country with parades, picnics and fireworks, I am reminded of John Adams’ foresight in a letter to his wife Abigail:
I am apt to believe that [Independence Day] 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 (sic)1.
