4th Of July

On July 3, 1776, the day after the completion of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail, explained how he believed future generations of Americans should celebrate the momentous day:

“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 Shews Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one end of the continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”