On July 3, 1776, John Adams, in a letter to his wife Abigail, wrote the following regarding the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He predicted the “Pomp and Parade” but remained “well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure” that it would take to maintain our independence and defend our newly founded country.
“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 this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
John Adams(1st Vice President and 2nd President of the U.S.A and Founding Father) to wife Abigail, 3 July 1776.
The OAIMA Office will be closed on Friday, July 4th in Celebration of Independence Day