Through all the gloom
The sun lights an American flag on display in Boston, September 2007
“I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost 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 worth more than all the means; that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.”
– John Adams, in a letter to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776
On the day my country celebrates its Declaration of Independence, I could not have quoted from anyone other than the individual I consider most responsible for the adoption of that Declaration: John Adams, whose unflagging tenacity and fierce determination overcame considerable opposition from his more fearful colleagues. Though Adams would go on to become our first Vice-President and second President, his most important work likely was done before such offices existed.
If you don’t know much about Adams, I encourage you to learn more. The HBO mini-series John Adams, which I mentioned just a few days ago, is an excellent introduction to this man, as is the surprisingly accurate (in spirit if not in detail) Broadway musical 1776. As much as any individual in American history, Adams refused to be defeated by despair.
It’s easy to look back in hindsight and applaud the courage of these “founding fathers” (and mothers) who supported independence. But their mutual pledge of “our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor” was not lightly taken. For their Declaration, they could have been hanged as traitors to the crown. I will always feel profound gratitude that the story did not end that way, though it did cost years of bloodshed and many lives.
I pray that the United States of America will remain true to the courage, love of freedom, and “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence” that have served us in centuries past.
Happy Birthday, USA!!!
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- Tagged: American Revolution, Fourth of July, freedom, I love America, Independence Day, John Adams, patriotism, U. S. flag, USA
Defeat Despair 
Happy Birthday America!!! May God protect us. I too love John Adams and I enjoy reading the letters between him and his wife. She kept the home fires burning through some very long absences. We could sure use some people like them today. Hope you and your family have a nice day.
Hi Amy, I admire Abigail Adams too. I have liked almost all our first ladies including our current one, but Abigail is probably my favorite. She must have been a remarkable woman; other than Barbara Bush (another favorite) she was the only one who was the wife of one President and mother of another. Come to think of it, she was probably a good bit like Barbara Bush — strong, loving and not afraid to speak her mind. Did I ever tell you about how Barbara Bush wrote to Matt? She was first lady when he was a little boy, and he just loved her. When I asked him why he liked her so much, he said “She looks just like George Washington.” 🙂
Children are so observant. 🙂
Julia, Jeff, and Matt, Happy 4th of July to y’all! 🇺🇸 🗽 🎉
Our beautiful America and our freedom is a reason to celebrate…. everyday!
Sheila and Bill
Thanks Sheila, Happy Independence Day to you and Bill too! I love your Lady Liberty pic!
Happy Birthday, America!