John Adams, a lawyer, was truly at the front of the happenings of the Revolution with England. He wrote the pamphlet that had wide circulation and among others, caught the eye of Patrick Henry prior to his own Give Me Liberty speech.

John was a minister to France capturing a loan from Amsterdam which pretty much saved the Colonies in the war. He became the second President of the United States of America, upon the retirement of General George Washington.

What we sometimes forget about John is that he was the one who defended Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia in 1776. Tom called him the “Colossus” for his vigorous defense. He carried the day and the Declaration was adopted.

Of the day that the resolution for Independence was adopted, John wrote home to Abigail. He wrote:

“Yesterday the greatest Question was decided which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps never was nor will be decided among Men. . . .The Second Day of July, 1776, (yes July 2nd, the day of the adoption of the resolution, but prior to adoption of the actual Declaration on July 4) will be the most memorable Epocha [sic], 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 [sic], Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

Okay, he was off by 2 days, but could you not heartily forgive him for his exuberance at the significance of the Event!