Fireworks in Houston, night of Celebration

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'via Blog this'

John Adams wrote that the second day of July 1776, "will be the most memorable Epocha, 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 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." (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975, p. 142).

He knew! John Adams knew that over 200 years later, on a hot, sticky night like tonight in Houston, Texas, USA, we would get together and make fun, illumination, celebration, and joy in the freedom wrought that day in 1776. Tonight I am so thankful for family and friends with whom we celebrated: good food in a feast, cold beverages, cut grass upon which to sit, and famous fireworks borne out of a free club at which we gathered. Now I can say after re-convening in a house with a mighty air-conditioner and a shower that I have been transported with enthusiasm, and ready to sleep with the peace bought for me with the blood of patriots. I am not worthy to enjoy such blessings, but by providence I will accept them and sleep soundly in God's greatest country on the green, fragile home we call Earth. President Adams, it was celebrated tonight in Houston and all over this republic, it was a festival for which you would have been proud, as it was commemorated as you decreed, may God save these united states once again in this hour of peril. Amen.