I don’t know when my reverence for our nation began for me, but in 1971 it grew much deeper. We took an extended vacation into the southern United States, down to Atlanta, Georgia and up the southeast coast, making a stop at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. It was there I intensified by appreciation for and understanding of the author of our Declaration of Independence.

I stood by the bed in which he died on that 4th of July so long ago. The last words he spoke before dying seemed to linger; “Adams lives.” John Adams, one of the most important cofounders of our nation, and Jefferson had their fierce disagreements at an earlier time in their political careers. Their differences had been completely put behind them now; they had become treasured friends. This is corroborated in their warm letters to one another. What Jefferson didn’t know was that Adams died that same day. 50 years to the day after the founding of our nation - July 4, 1826. It gives me chills to think about it!

What were they trying to tell us, these two patriots and friends, both dying as if by agreement on the 50th anniversary of the birth of our nation? What is the message here? Is this a profound statement, telling us to always treasure our freedom and liberty? Were they saying, “We now entrust our souls, our spirits, to our Creator, and entrust this nation and its future generations into God’s keeping.”?

After signing the Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote the following to his beloved wife, Abigail:

Yesterday the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony that those united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states. . . . The fourth day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. 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, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other; from this time forward pomp and parade, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other; from this time forward forever more.