Sunday Serenity - Toil and Blood, Pomp and Parade

John Adams was our 2nd President,

and the 1st President to live in the White House.

He was George Washington's Vice-President for 8 years!

He personally urged Thomas Jefferson to write

the Declaration of Independence.

On July 3, 1776, the day before the Declaration was signed, 

John wrote a letter to his wife Abigail.

She was a home maker, wife, and mother to their 5 children,

a strong supporter of her husband, and our nation's freedom.

John's letter to her, concerning our Independence Day, read:

"...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 shows, games, sports, 

guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations,

from one end of this continent to the other, 

from this time forward forever.

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 

to maintain the 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 worth more than all the means;

that posterity will triumph in that day's transaction..."