Independence Day
Before I post all the fun things we have done this week, I just wanted to write a post about what a wonderful holiday this is.
This week the kids and I learned about a few of the founding fathers: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. As I was preparing stories and facts to share with the kids, I learned a lot about these men that I did not know, or had forgotten.
The sacrifices these men took just to insure our freedoms are astounding . These were not ordinary men, They were inspired and intelligent. They all had different opinions about how a country should be run, but they all came together to sign one of the most important documents of our time. Without these men, we would not have the country we have today. I was most impressed with George Washington. The things he did were amazing, and the fact he was voted as president was unanimous impresses me.
When explaining to the kids what freedom and independence means, I realized how truly blessed we are. I told them we are lucky because we can practice any religion we want, or none at all, we can go the store whenever we want, we can eat candy all day, or buy toys, we can drive where were want and go on vacation when we want, we can work, or we can play, no one can stop us. Many people do not have these freedoms, and we are so blessed.
And one fun fact: Did you know Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the same day, July 4th. A little ironic I think, especially since they were bitter rivals. Tanner was really upset that they died in the morning and afternoon and so they missed the fireworks.
Happy Fourth of July!
July 4th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
In the past year I have read a book on Adams and one on Jefferson. They were good friends in the beginning, in the revolutionary days, but became political rivals after the nation was founded; Adams wanted more central goverment power and Jefferson wanted less. They rekindled their friendship before their deaths on the same Jly 4th. Just before Adams died he said, “Jefferson is dead.” They did die on the same July 4th; Adams had been the 2nd president and jefferson the 3rd. The 5th president, James Monroe, also died on July 4th a few years later.
July 5th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Happy 4th!
Have you seen the HBO John Adams? It’s really good. Did you go to the Smithfield parade? I love your blog.