Hath made and preserved us a nation

On July 2nd 1776, Congress unanimously affirmed to proclaim independence. John Adams wrote the following to his wife on July 3rd:

Yesterday the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, and as such they have, and of right ought to have, full power to make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and to do all the other acts and things which other states may rightfully do." You will see in a few days a declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and man.

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 triumph in that Days Transaction, even although We should rue it, with I trust in God We shall not.


Though he was off by a day or two, I love the sentiments that he expresses in regards to the impending celebration of our independence. Perhaps we could likewise put the same force of meaning behind our jubilation, treasuring the sacrifice that has been put forth and must continue to be offered in order to sustain our country, free and independent.

But most importantly, we must remember to "Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!" How grateful I am for the many miracles that occurred to provide independence, to allow the revolution to succeed, and a free nation to be established. So many little things could have swung the war to our loss, or ravaged unity away from the continental congress and the colonies. But we stand here at the end of many generations still enjoying the strength that the founders afforded us.

And to that I say "Let freedom ring!!"