July 2nd

246 years ago today a vote was taken on the Lee Resolution.

It read, “These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and Independent States, that they are absolved of all allegiance to the British Crown and that all connection between them and the state of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved.”

President Adams believed it would be July 2nd that would be celebrated by “succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.” He imagined a day of fun, pomp and ceremony from one end of the country “forever more”.

The author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, the man who succeeded Adams as President — after a tie election settled in the Congress — talked about the Fourth of July in his final letter.

He said, “For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh the recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

The two founding fathers had grown estranged and bitter from political differences. Jefferson defeated Adams and Adams became the first American President turned away from power by the American people. He left.

Today, there is a quote by President John Adams inscribed on the mantle of the fireplace in the State Dining Room at the White House. It reads:

“I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under its roof.”

Before they died, the two men — friends, rivals, opponents and enemies — reconciled.

Both founding fathers died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826. Fifty years to the day of American Independence.

Happy July 2nd.