July 4th with Patriotism and Religion
From the Revised and Updated "The Glory of America" Forward by Bill Bright, Peter Marshall and David Manuel
When Independence became a reality, John Adams, who had fought so long and hard for his vision of an new nation Under God,l was overwhelmed. As always, the person with whom he most wanted to share his feeling was his wife Abigail. On this day, July 3, 1776, with the first post rider leaving for Massachusetts, he dispatched a prophetic letter. The day, he said:
"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 , shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."
Marshall & Manuel, TLGT, 310
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On this day, July 4, 1776, John Hancock, the Chairman of the Continental Congress, and the Secretary of the Congress both signed The Declaration of Independence of the United States, thereby making it legal. The only government document in world history that is a creedal statement of Bible - based ideals, it contains these phrases:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness..."
"Appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions..."
"With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence...."
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By this day, July 5, 1775, new Commander-in-Chief George Washington's first General Order was common knowledge throughout the Continental Army:
"The General most earnestly requires and expects a due observance of those articles of war established for the government of the army, which forbids profane cursing, swearing and drunkenness. And in the like manner, he requires and expects of all officers and soldiers not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance of Divine services, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense."
Johnson, Washington, 69
George H. Kubeck
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