From a letter John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776, sharing his thoughts about celebrating Independence Day, with the original spelling:
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.
(Graphic courtesy of Snapshots of Joy)
Stray Thoughts 
Happy 4th! I’m so glad that all turned out well with your MIL and that she is safely settled in. What a relief and a blessing. Have a wonderful day!!
Good news about your mother in law.
Love this post on Independence. Very poignant and very profound to have shared this bit.
Happy 4th of July.
That is so neat that you have shared this with us – You know, the founding fathers did trust in God and I hope that people will realize that this nation is build on Christian principals and return to the Lord…
Happy 4th of July! I’ve been meaning to wish you earlier but it slipped me… sorry…