We still cheer, ‘Independence forever!’
Guest Column
1826 marked the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and according to David McCullough’s book, John Adams, the last two living signers of the Declaration were requested to attend numerous events celebrating the 4th of July.
Both men were too feeble to attend, but each sent words. Thomas Jefferson, known as the “pen” of the Declaration, wrote a lengthy “tribute to the ‘worthies’ of 1776” and it was reprinted across the nation.
Focusing on the rights of man, Jefferson’s letter to the mayor of Washington closed by noting, “… That the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few, booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately by the grace of God.
These are the grounds of hope for others; for ourselves, let the annual return to this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”
Known as the “voice” of the Declaration, John Adams was more succinct when asked for words that might be read aloud as a celebratory Fourth of July toast.
He responded, “Independence forever!” As McCullough notes, when asked if Adams wanted to add more to his toast, he responded, “Not a word.”
On the fiftieth anniversary of Independence, Adams at his own home and Jefferson at Monticello, drew their last breaths.
Adam’s son John Quincy wrote in his diary that both men had died on the Fourth of July was “manifestation of ‘Divine favor’;” and others like Daniel Webster eulogized the timing “was ‘proof’ from on high ‘that our country, and its benefactors, are objects of His care.’”
As we celebrate Fourth of July this 2017, the words of these two founders still ring true in this nation — and right here at home in Anderson County.
My own bookshelves are filled with biographies of these founding men and women who risked everything — health, lives and fortunes — to give us the blessings of liberty and the gift of self-governance. Whenever I have the occasion to travel to D.C., I always try to manage a quick “recharge” of my batteries at the National Archives.
There is something about looking at our Declaration of Independence under the glass — something about studying the signatures of these men — that stirs my love for this nation even more.
Did these men ever imagine 241 years later we would still look admirably and respectfully upon their words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness?”
Did they gather around their own picnic tables wondering if this day in 2017 would still be a day where Americans would come together as families and friends, with parades and fireworks, with watermelon and desserts to celebrate how thankful we are for this country?
I never cease to be inspired that people all across this country come together to say that we remember 1776, we honor our founders and our independence, and we are thankful for the blessings we have received.
We are a blessed nation. A fortunate united body of states, a strong community of people.
We aren’t perfect because people aren’t perfect. But I believe we are the best nation in the world.
Even when we may have disagreements, or the legislative halls might be filled with debate, we are one nation ... We are united.
Wrapping up the Declaration, our founders penned support for our independence by citing a “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence,” and also by mutually pledging to “each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
Thank God for that pledge.
Today, we still hold that all men are created equal and in 2017 we still cheer, “Independence forever!”