Although we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, the real victory came on July 2nd - getting the document adopted by the fractious Continental Congress. It was such an uphill battle, in fact, that upon succeeding, John Adams wrote the following:
"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 for evermore."
If one were to take that quote, from "It ought to be commemorated..." on and sent it - unattributed - to 100 people today, how many would nod their heads in agreement and how many would roll their eyes or complain about "more Jesusland, red-state jingoism"?
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