Independence 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 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.

-Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams- July 3rd ,1776

I love that letter-and I have loved learning more of the lives of these men and women who played such instrumental roles in our history. I have often seen the bumper sticker that says, "God bless everyone-no exceptions!" Though we have a loyalty before country and culture to man kind, there should be no shame in being a patriot. There is something about this sticker that bothers me. As if anyone who is truly patriotic must also be void of love or acceptance for different countries, cultures, and people and might never think beyond their own existence. I am aware there are people who believe to be a patriot they must turn their back on any other (and possibly fly a confederate flag). Even so, I would like to think that most of us who would speak the words God Bless America would do so only to celebrate the history of our nation and the countless men and women who have forged through difficult circumstances to allow us the liberty we have today. I believe it serves as a reminder of the bond we share as people who support liberty on any soil. I believe it is a reverent call for God to be with us as we continue to make decisions that will affect our future generations. Just as the founding fathers did. So though I get the message this sticker intended to send, I think we learn something valuable when we can call ourselves patriots without having to whisper it.

I will now step off my soapbox. Happy Fourth everyone!!!