Independence Day

 

“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.”

So wrote John Adams to his wife, Abigail, about the day of American Independence.  He thought the date would be July 2, but the resolution would not be passed until July 4.  The rest of the statement is fairly accurate!

As Americans, we should also take a little time to think about what it was like back in 1776.  This was a time of great uncertainty.  The country was divided: not everyone wanted to break away from Great Britain.  Even families were divided:  Benjamin Franklin’s son William was a Loyalist and the last colonial governor of New Jersey. After the British surrender at Yorktown, William Franklin left for England and never returned.

Even those who at least initially supported the Revolution wavered at times.  Benedict Arnold served the American cause bravely, being wounded in the process.  He lost his wife and child while serving.  Perhaps he felt he had sacrificed enough. Perhaps it was because he felt slighted, or the pain from his injuries got the best of him. Perhaps it was because his new bride was a definite Tory. For whatever reason, he gave up on the Cause and his name became a synonym for “traitor.”

The biggest take away should be that no matter what side people were on or even if they actually chose a side, once the war was won people came together to make one nation. 

Happy Independence Day, everyone.