I'll post later on what we did yesterday to celebrate. Fun stuff.
For now, I am re-reading a favorite patriotic read: John Adams by David McCullough. Here is John Adams in a letter to his wife, Abigail:
The object is great which we have in view, and we must expect a great expense of blood to obtain it. But we should remember that a free constitution of civil government cannot be purchased at too dear a rate, as there is nothing on this side of Jerusalem of equal importance to mankind.
And also, speaking of Independence Day, he predicted that it:
...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 Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.
If you are an American who likes to read, I cannot recommend McCullogh's John Adams or 1776 highly enough. I am so grateful to our founding fathers for the blessing of liberty that I enjoy due to their sacrifices. Add them to my list of people I can't wait to meet in heaven.
Rachel
ReplyDeleteLook up Rush H. Limbaugh JR (father of the talk show host) for an incredible speech he gave years ago to the Missouri state legislature entitled "our lives, our fortune and our sacred honor" about the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independance and what happened to them in the ensuing years.
Bill
I just watched a documentary on Thomas Jefferson and it's so great to hear so much about the birth of our country. Amazing things.
ReplyDeleteI am so slow. I meant to comment on your Down and Derby post, but I have been a little busy. I love all the other posts, too. Love that you love to read. I haven't read this book yet, but I intend to.
ReplyDeleteAbout the Derby post, I just feel like you and I are kindred spirits. I have thought that before. I love to read. And someday I will be an author again, too.
But it was the part about Tom Delonge that just endeared you to me. I too have my little rebellious phase I recall sometimes somewhat affectionately (others not so much). I just love how you tied that into a post about cub scouts.
P.S. My sister (the one who was in a band once upon a time with your husband) recently blog stalked you. And I have to tell you, she adores you. She loves what you did with Julie Beck's talk, because before it just made her feel guilty, but you made it uplifting and inspiring.
I would just love to be one of your best friends. I do enjoy your blog.
I do remember your senior project (coolest topic ever)... but mostly I remember thinking that I wanted to grow up and be awesome like you. Thank you for leading me into graphic design; you'll always be one of my heroes :)
ReplyDeleteI talked to Anna about the Turkey Trot. We'll do the 5K if it means you'll come down for Thanksgiving. Or do we have to do the 10K? Anna wanted to know if she could ride her bike instead of run... haha.
How prophetic and inspiring, his vision of us in the future. Thanks. Hey, do you get to come on Friday?
ReplyDeleteIs that allowed? Angela making fun of me in her comment?
ReplyDeleteIf I don't run the 10K with you, I promise I'll go and support you and buy you breakfast afterwards. :)
There are so many books you've recommended and so little time...