Happy Birthday to the United States of America!

On the 4th of July 1776, the United States of America was born. It was on this date that We The People officially claimed our independence from Britain and a Democratic Republic was born. Those brave men and women who have chosen to protect, fight and even die for our republic know the real significance and meaning attached to it. It is Independence Day -- an independence that was and is drenched in the blood of our citizens who were and are willing to die for freedom from tyranny, and to maintain liberty.
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Philadelphia, July 5, 1776.

Yesterday the greatest question was decided which was ever decided among men. A Resolution was passed unanimously -- "THAT THESE UNITED STATES ARE, AND OF RIGHT OUGHT TO BE, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES." The day is past. The 4th of July, 1776, will be a MEMORABLE EPOCHA in the history of America. I am apt to believe 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 Almighty God--It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever! You will think me transported with enthusiasm; but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure it will cost to maintain this DECLARATION, and support and defend these States; yet through all the gloom, I can see a ray of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not.

Yours, &c.,

JOHN ADAMS.

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"Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." --Inscription on the Liberty Bell