John Adams

In addition to being America's second President, he was also a signer of our Declaration of Independence.

On the 3rd day of July, 1776, after the Declaration had passed the Continental Congress, but before he signed, he wrote the following to his wife Abigail.

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 Day's Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.

Here at OWW's house, we shall have a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by food, fireworks, and other sorts of merriment and celebration.

And a moment of quiet reflection on the true words of John Adams, who pledged his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor, that I might live free.