Why should we celebrate the 4th of July? Are the barbecues, baseball games, fireworks, and parades worth it? Pay attention to what John Adams, the second president of the United States, said on the subject:

“July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch 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 shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations (fireworks), from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

John Quincy Adams, the son of John Adams and sixth president of the United States said this when celebrating the July 4th holiday in 1837: “In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is inseparably linked with the birthday of the Savior. It forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation. The Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission on Earth and laid the cornerstone of human government on the first precepts of Christianity.”

Most of us are doing well regarding parades, fireworks, etc., but how are we doing at the most important part of why we ought to be celebrating this holiday? I encourage us all to add some “solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty” to our celebrations of our Independence Day holiday, especially during these difficult times where false anti-American views are on the rise.