07/07/2025
In March of 1801, Thomas Jefferson said, “The only birthday I ever commemorate is that of our Independence, the Fourth of July.”
On July 4th in 1809 Margaret Bayard Smith, a key commentator in our nation’s early history, penned, “The fourth of July, the epoch of American Independence, is a day when the heart of every American must glow with pride and gratitude. No village, however sequestered, no citizen, however obscure, forgets the celebration of the anniversary of his country’s liberty! Through all the land, from the shores of the Atlantic to our mountain-tops, the sounds of gratulation are heard; the roar of cannon, and the peal of bells, announce the auspicious morn, and people of every rank hasten with their festive offerings round the altar of liberty.”
This year we continue these traditions of celebrating liberty that began 249 years ago. May your Independence Day be full of all the things Americans have held dear through the centuries, liberty, joy, family, and friends.