Happy Fourth of July

Color Guard at Miller Park.  6/27/19 dwm photo

And the rockets red glare,
the bombs bursting in air,
gave proof through the night,
that our flag was still there.

The Star Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key

A bunch of men probably didn't sign the Declaration of Independence 243 years ago today, but could we really get fired up about August 2, 1776?

Happy August 2, doesn't have the same ring, does it?

According to calendar.com, the resolution of independence was passed by the Second Continental Congress July 2.  John Hancock and the boys didn't sign it for another month.

One of those signers, John Adams (who later became the 2nd President of the United States) famously wrote, "It (Independence Day) ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other."

Mr. Adams and Thomas Jefferson (3rd President of the United States) were the only two signers of the Declaration of Independence to be president.  Coincidentally, they died on the Fourth of July in 1826, the 50th anniversary of July 4, 1776.

I hope you take in a parade; enjoy a picnic; go to a game; or take in illuminations today.

This experiment in representative democracy is a fragile thing.  It's far from perfect, but if we take care of it and carry out our civic duties, I think we'll be just fine.  Go forth and enjoy the Fourth!