Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy Independence Day!

Rick Helling puts in an appearance on card number 641 of the 1992 Bowman set. He is dressed for the holiday in his Team USA uniform.

I sincerely hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July today. Instead of baseball commentary I would like to share a quote about the day from John Adams. Since he was instrumental in creating the reason for the day it seems only appropriate to read what he had to say. In a letter to his wife, Abigail, he wrote:

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, 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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. 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 the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means."

The spelling is antiquated and he thought the day would be July second instead of the fourth. The words are still worth dwelling on. I hope that we as a nation still hold Mr. Adams' vision.

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