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Editorial - July 2002 |
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A celebration of America July 3, 2002 - John Adams, one of the leaders of the colonial fight for independence, reportedly wrote to his wife, Abigail, on July 2, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence “will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival…. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, ever more.” And that’s exactly what has happened as we observe this holiday 226 years later. We will have our own parade and fireworks display here in Lincolnton. Celebrations, from parades to patriotic programs, sporting events and family barbecues will more than fulfill Adams’ expectations. This year’s birthday has a deeper meaning than past celebrations because of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the ongoing war on terrorism. Our nation so threatened is much more precious. The document forged by Thomas Jefferson during a meeting of the 13 colonies’ Second Continental Congress is familiar to most Americans by the time they enter middle school. It’s not the introduction, which begins “When in the course of human events it becomes necessary …” but the second paragraph that rings clear from that document: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” It proceeds to blast the British in a barrage of complaints that go much further than taxation without representation. It faults that government for “a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.” The document was adopted July 4, and the first public readings were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square to the ringing of band music. The Revolutionary War was already under way by that time. It should be remembered that among the 56 signers were three men from North Carolina: William Hooper, John Penn and Joseph Hewes. We hope you celebrate this wonderful birthday. A complete listing of local celebrations is listed on page 1A of today’s paper.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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