I have always loved this letter from John Adams to Abigal, dated July 3, 1776:
The second day of July, 1776, will be 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, shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever.
Alas, the State of North Carolina takes an even dimmer view than before of the “illuminations” aspect of celebrating this nation’s independence. Nevertheless, many citizens of this burgeoning nanny state utilize the underground economy to celebrate.
