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On July 3, 1776, after having severed America’s ties to the British crown, founding father John Adams sent a letter to his wife, Abigail, describing his vision for Fourth of July celebrations in the future. He wrote, “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. … 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.”
Americans did indeed carry out President Adams’ vision and the Fourth of July has become one of the most festive and beloved celebrations in our nation. No single occasion more clearly defines us as a free people than Independence Day.
Each year in the Lone Star State, Texans don their red, white and blue garb, string up patriotic garlands and celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, parades and fireworks. From Dalhart to Falfurrias, festivities range from backyard barbecues to stadium-sized pageantry. Today’s celebrations continue a grand tradition.
In 1777, the city of Philadelphia, the veritable birthplace of our democracy where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were forged, held one of the most spectacular Fourth of July celebrations in recorded history. Armed ships lined the river, discharging thirteen cannons in honor of the thirteen United States; Congress, the president and military officers attended an elegant dinner with toasts to the patriots and soldiers who gave their lives in defense of freedom. A discharge of artillery and small arms followed, accompanied by live music; soldiers on horseback and on foot paraded through town and the evening closed with the chiming of bells and a grand exhibition of fireworks concluded with thirteen rockets illuminating the sky.
Throughout the years as our country expanded westward, celebrations continued, fashioned by local interests and regional flare. In 1848, the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th. Forty years later a monument to Francis Scott Key was unveiled in San Francisco. In 1960 the 50-star American flag waved for the first time as Hawaii entered the union. Our bicentennial in 1976 rivaled the 1777 Philadelphia displays and lasted for a year. And in 2002, with the September 11th attacks still weighing on our minds, Americans gathered across the country amid heightened security to celebrate the Fourth of July with a new appreciation for the price of freedom.
Though early celebrations were quite spectacular, it was clear, even then, that our experiment with democracy would be challenging. President Adams closed the letter to his wife saying, “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.”
He knew too well that freedom isn’t free.
This year as we gather in celebration of our independence and enjoy our liberties, it is important to reflect on the challenges our young nation still faces today. Threats to our way of life abound. Terrorism is a reality we confront, and our troops are stationed around the globe in defense of our freedoms and placed in harms’ way to battle those who wish to destroy our democracy. They will never succeed.
This Fourth of July, on the 227th celebration of our nation’s independence, I hope you will take the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends the gift of liberty that is America and pay tribute to those heroes in the armed forces who keep the flame of liberty alive.
Americans did indeed carry out President Adams’ vision and the Fourth of July has become one of the most festive and beloved celebrations in our nation. No single occasion more clearly defines us as a free people than Independence Day.
Each year in the Lone Star State, Texans don their red, white and blue garb, string up patriotic garlands and celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, parades and fireworks. From Dalhart to Falfurrias, festivities range from backyard barbecues to stadium-sized pageantry. Today’s celebrations continue a grand tradition.
In 1777, the city of Philadelphia, the veritable birthplace of our democracy where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were forged, held one of the most spectacular Fourth of July celebrations in recorded history. Armed ships lined the river, discharging thirteen cannons in honor of the thirteen United States; Congress, the president and military officers attended an elegant dinner with toasts to the patriots and soldiers who gave their lives in defense of freedom. A discharge of artillery and small arms followed, accompanied by live music; soldiers on horseback and on foot paraded through town and the evening closed with the chiming of bells and a grand exhibition of fireworks concluded with thirteen rockets illuminating the sky.
Throughout the years as our country expanded westward, celebrations continued, fashioned by local interests and regional flare. In 1848, the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th. Forty years later a monument to Francis Scott Key was unveiled in San Francisco. In 1960 the 50-star American flag waved for the first time as Hawaii entered the union. Our bicentennial in 1976 rivaled the 1777 Philadelphia displays and lasted for a year. And in 2002, with the September 11th attacks still weighing on our minds, Americans gathered across the country amid heightened security to celebrate the Fourth of July with a new appreciation for the price of freedom.
Though early celebrations were quite spectacular, it was clear, even then, that our experiment with democracy would be challenging. President Adams closed the letter to his wife saying, “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.”
He knew too well that freedom isn’t free.
This year as we gather in celebration of our independence and enjoy our liberties, it is important to reflect on the challenges our young nation still faces today. Threats to our way of life abound. Terrorism is a reality we confront, and our troops are stationed around the globe in defense of our freedoms and placed in harms’ way to battle those who wish to destroy our democracy. They will never succeed.
This Fourth of July, on the 227th celebration of our nation’s independence, I hope you will take the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends the gift of liberty that is America and pay tribute to those heroes in the armed forces who keep the flame of liberty alive.
, 2004-Bush :|, 2008-Obama :|, 2012-Obama 
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