Day Eighteen - Happy 4th!

If your Facebook is like mine, you have been inundated with celebrations and quotes about liberty and freedom.  Someone has probably quoted the Declaration of Independence, either "we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal" or "unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" or even "these united colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent states."  All of these are timeless quotes that we should hold dear.  But as I said yesterday, this is only the first step.  


Walk through the following quotes to get a feel for the great men that lived, led and fought for our country in the great war that followed*.  


*Yes, I know that the war started in 1775, so saying "followed" is not exactly correct.  


"Yesterday the greatest question was decided... and a greater question perhaps never was nor will be decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states."
John Adams, Letter to his wife, Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776



"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." Paine, The American Crisis (December 23, 1776)

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
Nathan Hale, before being hanged by the British, September 22, 1776


"It is a common observation here that our cause is the cause of all mankind, and that we are fighting for their liberty in defending our own."
Benjamin Franklin, letter to Samuel Cooper, May 1, 1777

"The injuries we have received from the British nation were so unprovoked, and have been so great and so many, that they can never be forgotten."
George Washington, Letter to John Banister, 1778

"I have not yet begun to fight!"
John Paul Jones, response to enemy demand to surrender, September 23, 1779

The one that sticks out to me most is the Washington quote.  Washington held the Continental Army together singlehandedly.  Yet he was reflective and realistic about the situation.  And even though they faced such great odds, he remained dedicated to the cause.

In this time of partisan politics and divisiveness in the country, take time to remember the uniting bond that ties us all together: we are Americans, forged from the blood, sweat, tears, and ink of the Founding Fathers and those soldiers, activists and citizens who have worked to strengthen and expand our rights.  Make sure to include all of them in your thoughts and celebrations.

MEET THE FELLOWS: Will return tomorrow.

TOMORROW: The Supreme Court tour and a meeting with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg!