Happy Independence Day!

John Adams assumed that July 2 would be celebrated as our nation’s birthday, not July 4, because it was on the second day of the month that Congress actually adopted the Declaration of Independence.



Allowing for that inconsequential variation, I invite you to join with me in reflecting on the majesty of Adams’ words as written to his beloved Abigail:


“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. It will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated … 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 the continent to the other, from this time forward forever.”

The significance of Adams’ writing is not merely its prescience (he describes a pretty typical modern Fourth of July celebration) but the subordination of that celebration to “acts of devotion to God Almighty.”


Let’s recall these words as we celebrate our “great anniversary Festival” today.


We often ask God to bless America. On July 4, Americans should remember to take time and bless God.