Celebrate Independence Day the John Adams Way

John Adams, founding father and second president of the U.S., wrote many letters to his wife. He wrote about his work, politics, gossip, their farm, and much more. Adams even wrote directions for celebrating Independence Day. If you're looking for the best way to celebrate the Fourth this summer, follow John Adams' direction for an authentic Fourth of July.

Adams had strong feelings about Independence Day, as well he might. He and the others who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776 risked everything to do it; in the words of the Declaration, they pledged to each other "... our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." They became traitors, risking death itself, to create a new nation, governed by laws, not kings. And we all enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice today. Why not honor them by celebrating their way?

Here's what John Adams thought we ought to do on Independence Day: "...It ought to be commemorated as a day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bell, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."

So line up the kids and get ready to party like a founding father. First, teach them that the 4^th of July is Independence Day. Sometimes that fact gets lost in the shuffle. Tell them the story about the colonists, about their desire to be free of the king and their wild notion that everyone, not just one guy, had rights. Then follow John Adams' directions:

Acts of Devotion - Follow your family's spiritual traditions on big days. Visit a house of worship, say a prayer, or think about and discuss the great sacrifices people made for our freedom and prosperity.

Parades - Make your way to the nearest 4^th of July parade. Bring hats and sunscreen, water and little flags to get the kids in the action.

Shows, games, and sports - If you don't have a commitment that day, why not plan a potluck picnic and games with some neighbors? Our community is stronger when we build good relationships with those around us. John Adams would definitely approve.

Now, about those guns and bonfires - For the millions of us who live in cities, water guns might be the best way to go. Fire away and cool off the kids. But if you live in the country, set up some targets and have at it. Bonfires? John Adams lived near the beach, which is probably about the only place that should have a bonfire in July. Might want to skip that one.

Bells and illuminations - Fireworks illuminate the night sky across America on the Fourth. Afterwards, for over 200 years, the church bells have rung, just as John Adams suggested. When you hear the bells after the fireworks are over, tell your kids that Americans have to work together to make sure the bells ring on the 4^th forever.

John Adams knew the ringing of the bells was not a given: "...I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom I can see...that the end is more than worth the means. And that posterity will triumph..." And so we have. Happy Independence Day and thanks, Mr. Adams.