First Lady of Texas Anita Perry's Independence Day Message

Friday, July 01, 2011

Happy Independence Day!

I recently came across this quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower which is poignant and so very true:

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.

An interesting historical tidbit . . . on July 3, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail:

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that 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 God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Adams’ prediction was off by two days. From the beginning, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the Declaration of Independence.

Coincidentally, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

As we celebrate our nation’s freedom with family and friends, let’s not forget the brave, courageous and selfless men and women who continue to fight for our liberties.