“May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country!”
It seems I can’t really top last year’s thoughts about July 4th.
I just love birthdays and today is the grandest of them all. Happy Birthday, America.
On July 3rd 1776, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail. In it, he predicted the celebrations for American Independence Day, including the parties:
“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.”
The problem was he expected July 2nd to be Independence Day as that was the day the Second Continental Congress voted for independence, but the signing ceremony for the Declaration of Independence didn’t happen until two days later so because July 4th appears on the Declaration, it became the date we celebrate Independence.
I know some people complain that the meaning of the day is lost in the barbecues and the fireworks, but they have forgotten John Adams’ hope. We are celebrating exactly as he wished. Flags are waving everywhere. Families get together to celebrate and to break bread, albeit hot dog rolls. Fireworks illuminate the sky. Baseball is played on small town fields and in huge stadiums. Drums beat the cadence in parades. We sing rousing songs celebrating America and our freedom. We also sing heartfelt songs about what America means to us. We are many sorts of people, we Americans. We don’t all look the same, eat the same foods or dress in the same way, but we all celebrate today and we share a love of country. Happy Birthday, America, from all of us Americans.
Explore posts in the same categories: Musings
keepthecoffeecoming.blog 
July 4, 2016 at 9:31 am
I am a first generation immigrant
I came to America as a young man and now I am not so young. This country has offered me opportunity and happiness. Mrs MDH, The family, the Prince everything that I could have hoped for
On Wednesday I am afforded the chance to go to Paris to see a football match, visit the artist Christophe Besse, see Bruce in concert, stare at Delacroix down the Louvre. I can do these things because of America
And a week later as the plane touches down in Detroit, Chuck Berry’s song will, as always be spinning in my head..
“Oh well, oh well, I feel so good today, we touched down on an international runway, Jet propelled back home from overseas to the USA”
Happy 4th July Kat and to all the KTCC gang
July 4, 2016 at 9:41 am
My Dear Hedley,
And we are happy you came!
I always think that immigrants to America appreciate what they find. My neighbor is from Brazil as is his wife. He bought a home, started a successful business and is raising three children, two in college. He is the hardest worker I know and a wonderful neighbor.
I always feel a certain sense of elation when I land int he United States. It never matters where I went. It is always good to be home.
Happy July 4th!
July 4, 2016 at 11:27 am
Everyone except our Natve American friends is an immigrant or descendant of immigrants. Our country has been enriched by everyone of them and their descendants. My family came from Eastern Europe to escape persecution at the beginning of the 20th century. Yes, there was resentment and prejudice from the establishement but that wave of immigrants produced the “greatest generation” that defeated fascism and imperialism. Unfortunately, we still suffer from the scrounge of racism over fifty years since the signing of the Civil Rights Act. Luckily my kids don’t see skin color, religion or national origin as a difference between people.
The xenophobia being touted by the Brexits or Trump and his followers makes us poorer not safer. Building walls and playing on fears and prejudice is precisely opposed to the words of the Declaration of Independence.
We should take a moment today and honor both the men and woman in uniform who protect our freedom as well our diversity which only makes us stronger.
Happy Independence Day.
July 4, 2016 at 12:07 pm
Very well said Bob – Happy 4th to you and yours
July 4, 2016 at 9:39 pm
Bob,
Thank you! Your comment is wonderful;. My family came from Ireland when my great-grandfather wanted a better life for his family. To him American was the promise land.
It is totally true that immigrants have enriched this country. It is also totally true that prejudice has never disappeared, but each new generation has become more and more color blind, but I am afraid of what Trump brings. He appeals to the basest prejudices of people who feel empowered by him. He is steps backward.
I pray for the men and women in uniform.
Happy Independence Day to you too!
July 5, 2016 at 7:39 am
We set a record in North Texas yesterday by having the wettest 4th of July in history. It rained 1.5 inches after midnight Monday morning. Weird weather caused by global warming.
July 5, 2016 at 9:25 am
Bob,
It is definitely the year of both weird and horrific weather.
July 4, 2016 at 12:46 pm
Hi Kat,
Thank you for reminding me that we are celebrating just as John Adams would have wished. I’ll remember it every time I read or hear someone complaining that the holiday has lost its meaning. This is its meaning.
Happy Birthday, America!
And Happy 4th of July to all the Coffee crowd.
Enjoy the day (and have some hot dogs).
July 4, 2016 at 9:44 pm
Hi Caryn,
All you have to do is quote John Adams. I imagine it would be surprising to people to find out he set the tone for our celebrations today. I then he would enjoy the parades and the fireworks.
Happy 4th to you as well!
Actually I had a hamburger!!
July 4, 2016 at 1:53 pm
Have a Happy 4th of July!
Christer.
July 4, 2016 at 10:18 pm
Thank you, Christer,
It was a wonderful day!
July 4, 2016 at 8:04 pm
Happy 4th of July, dear Americans!
Parties, picnics, fireworks and to be among family and friends is a great way to celebrate a country’s birthday. Reading this post and your comments here gives hope despite all unpleasant TV news that cross the ocean.
July 4, 2016 at 9:48 pm
Thank you, Birgit
My friends and I had a great day with a barbecue and great food. We played a few board games, had lots of laughs and listened to great music. I know my neighbors also celebrated as I could smell their barbecues and I heard the fireworks.