Fourth of July: Part Four: God Bless America: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
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Do we all live inside our heads? That voice that entertains, taunts, laments and celebrates. I write down what I think. So many thoughts. So hopeful they matter.
I’m not superstitious, or religious, but I have always been moved in an eerie, this has a larger meaning, way by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both dying on the 50th anniversary of the Fourth of July, Independence Day. The odds alone leave me in awe.
Although failing fast, Adams was determined to survive until the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—July 4, 1826. At dawn on that day he was awakened by his servant, who asked if he knew what day it was. He replied, “Oh, yes, it is the glorious fourth of July. God bless it. God bless you all.” He then slipped into a coma. In the afternoon he recovered consciousness briefly to murmur: “Thomas Jefferson lives.” These were his last words. Little did he know that Jefferson, incredibly, had also died on the 4th of July – just a few hours earlier.
(Jefferson’s last words? “Is it the Fourth? I resign my spirit to God, my daughter, and my country.”)
“I resign my spirit to God, my daughter and my country.” “It’s the glorious fourth of July. God Bless it. God bless you all.”
I would like to love my country that much. I want to find that part of me that cries at the Stars Spangled Banner, which is always preferable to my singing the Stars Spangled Banner. Ask anyone who has stood next to me when I belt it out. I used to feel that way, and I believe that great leadership might take me there again, but I recognize that I’m dependent on others to lead me there with their spirit and commitment; it’s not my own that paves that road for me.
The mini series John Adams by HBO, was by far and away the finest movie for TV or Cinema that I’ve ever seen. The sacrifice; the passion; the desire for freedom was shown in a way that made you feel it. Watch it if you haven’t and find from whence we come. It will change you in a profound way. It did me and anyone I know who watched it.
I leave you with the following poem as my gift. So happy birthday to all of us, and God Bless America and those that stand in harms way today on her behalf.
Our Independence Day
by Roger J. Robicheau
With our first fourth on that seventh month began
A declaration of how we would forge our life
In signature, John Hancock did lead by action
The beginning of a nation which has firmly stood
As we stop to embrace our Independence Day
We should reflect back from this sixth millennium year
Looking to the many trials we have faced as a country
Most vividly, to that infamous September morn
We have never, and never will succumb to threat
Our rigid foundation is of, by, and for the people
We heed the message of President John F. Kennedy
It is what we do for our country that stands us tall
As good citizens we put our trust in God, and each other
Under one flag we stand, united for all the world to see
Our Stars and Stripes form the Old Glory we so revere
And how gallant are those who march with our colors
As Americans, we hold freedom as a certainty
Our bravest have given their all to this end
If not for their willingness, we would not be
The cost of liberty demands this commitment
So many have endured the precious loss of loved ones
We must stay aware of the tragedy they live with
For they, more than any, feel the total cost of sacrifice
Praise their fallen heroes, they left freedom for us
