An Idyllic 4th

The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. 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. 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. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.

(The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975, 142).

I love the 4th of July. In my lifetime, I can't recall one that was a disappointment.

Nothing tends to be idyllic in our everyday lives.

I did not have the idyllic childhood, I do not lead and idyllic life. But the 4th has always been a holiday celebrated honestly and simply.

It's a holiday unlike any other....never a big lead up, so then never a disappointment.

Parades, picnics, fireworks, swimming pools, beaches, National Monuments, sparklers, family and friends. All or one or combinations have always played into our 4th celebrations.

I can't forget the great thrill of going to Mt. Vernon one 4th....that day, they had historical re-enactors. The Thomas Jefferson was so handsome, I could have listened to him pontificate in independence for days on end.

The summer nights when we caught lightning bugs in jars and twirled boxes of sparklers! Our skin sticky with Off!

Eating steamed clams, and juicy watermelon.

Watching the fireworks on the National Mall.

ahhh.....nostalgia.

Have a wonderful holiday!