From John Adams to his wife regarding the vote for independence, which took place on July 2, speaking of the event which we now celebrate on July 4th, for further historical reasons:

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.

Not sure that anyone has said it any better.

Great quote, had not heard that before. Happy Independence Day all!

Nice Jon, and a Happy 4th to all.
"gene"

Happy 4th of july to all my US friends!

John thanks for sharing, that is well said.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY !!

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I hope all of you North Carolina members survive this category 2 Arthur Hurricane!  6500 without electricity.  I hang out at twitter.  I get the breaking news.  Tonight we watch the Indian Casino's Fireworks.  Tomorrow is the big day!  Brisket is trimmed and ready for the Treager!

Suzi

Thanks for the history. Very well said indeed.

Happy Independence Day, everyone.

Poor John Adams must be spinning in his grave......

Enjoy the 4th, and be safe.


Frank

Happy Independence day. 
My hope that one day other countries would enjoy the freedom that we have. 

Happy Independence Day Folks.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu3rsha1ZtI

Awesome quote! Happy fourth to all!! It's my favorite Holliday!! (It helps that it happens to be my birthday)...

Happy 4th everyone. Please remember that this is the #1 day every year for people to lose their beloved pets. They don't understand fireworks and they will run for miles and miles to escape them - and they're everywhere.

Hope everyone, people and pets, have a fun and safe night :)

 

Happy birthday Cal!

Thanks, Jon, great quote indeed.

Indeed - Happy 4th of July to all patriotic Americans here in the US and those serving our country in harm's way abroad. Here's a shout out as well to all Foreign Service Officers!

Great quote, thanks for sharing.

I believe the vote was supposed to be on July 2nd, but was delayed until July 4th.  I could be mistaken.

Nichole, you are a photographic genius. Did you use a tilt-shift lens for this shot?

Ruuting, just my regular 50mm lens, but a color mask was applied for the black/white + color combo.

Nichole, very nice photo, I really like it!

We went to see the fireworks that are everywhere. I had a digital little camera and it is hard to take any decent photo but here are a few better ones. They were shooting them from the Rose Bowl stadium.

Happy birthday, America!