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An online poll came up on the computer screen last week with one question: Have you ever read the Declaration of Independence?
Why yes, I thought. Once a year. Out loud. To a hostile audience.
"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."
—- Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776