So while everyone is enjoying picnics and boat-rides, eating potato salad and barbecue, let us remember that the reason we can do all that is because the Founding Fathers, a group of men with very divergent views decided it was time to cut our ties with England and go it alone.
In high school I was required to memorize parts one, two and three of the Declaration of Independence. That is every word except the list of grievances but as a refresher I read the Declaration every year. You can read it for yourself right here. When you are done reading, scroll down and click on the name of any of the signers to learn more about them. It is important to remember that there were many delegates to the Continental Congresses. And they didn’t get agree on anything but they did argue through until they reached compromise.
The other thing I do every Fourth of July is watch the movie 1776. It my not be exactly historically accurate but I don’t care. I love the music, the struggle for concensus among the delegates and most of all I love John Adams who was a prime catalyst for revolution and is on a very special list with my other historical loves, Thomas Paine and Harry Truman.
I don’t know how to embed a You Tube but here is the link to “Sit Down John” one of my favorite songs from the movie. It may give a clue as to why I continue to adore John Adams.
Happy Independence Day.
Terrie
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