In 1826, shortly before he died, a ninety-one-year-old John Adams was asked to deliver a toast to honor a local July 4th celebration as well as the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Unable to attend in person due to failing health, Adams sent just two words to the organizing committee to be read on his behalf: “Independence Forever!”
I can think of no two words that better explain the meaning of America and its highest aspirations.
Adams’s two words mean a great deal to me, and now more so than ever. Tomorrow I will celebrate my first ever July 4th as an American citizen!
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