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. John Adams’ letter to Abigail Adams, July 2, 1776

Before America’s birth, John Adams predicted we would celebrate America’s independence.

Her birthday.

Fireworks, games, and parades.

From Maine to California.

Celebrating our Day of Deliverance by our solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.

He knew it will be hard.

Birthing our country.

Separating ourselves from England’s tyranny.

Untold toil, blood, and treasure to spend.

But with those solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty, he saw the End is more than worth all the Means.

He saw our country free, celebrating our freedom every year for generations.

America was birthed almost 250 years ago.

We’ve never been perfect, but we’ve tried to do our best.

We fought against ourselves for the end of slavery.

We’ve produced unending talent easing our modern selves with food, industry, and entertainment.

We’ve fought to protect innocent lives around the globe.

America’s story is a beacon of hope for the world.

More than merely a nation fighting for independence so many years ago.

America stands for freedom.

Freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

Freedom to say what we want.

Freedom to defend ourselves.

With hard work, we have endless opportunities in this great land of ours.

However…

Only with God’s sovereign help will even keep our country alive.

As our country was founded on the foundation of God, we must fight to keep Him firmly planted within our laws, actions, and words.

As the Israelites saw God’s provision, they would eventually forget, walking away from God.

Repeatedly, they would follow God, living within His blessings and protection.

And a few generations later, they would forget, falling down to worship false gods out of God’s protection.

As our country has systematically removed God from many avenues, may we repent for our actions.

May we seek God’s direction for our nation.

May we remind ourselves and our children how blessed we are to live in America.

And may we rise up as leaders to protect and defend our nation under God.

Photos by specphotops,  Luca R, Samuel Branch, Trent Yarnell, NASA, & Luke Stackpoole on Unsplash

John Adams letter: https://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/archive/doc?id=L17760703jasecond