On July 3, 1776 John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, these words…

“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.”

We have taken these words to heart for generations when it comes to celebrating our nation’s independence. Children with firecrackers and our cities and civic organizations with skyrockets will truly illuminate the Fourth of July sky from one end of our nation to the other. Parades will fill our streets and ballparks will be filled with the traditional game of summer.

We know that the signing of the Declaration of Independence was the single most defining act in the birth of our nation. Yet it was just the beginning of a very long, hard struggle that was to ensue with the American Revolutionary War, and a host of subsequent military conflicts against those who would take away everything we hold dear. On the 4th of July, 1776, the old Continental Congress, drafted this resolution:

"That these united colonies are, and of right, ought to be free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown; and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, dissolved."

We can thank the resolve and tenacity of those 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence -- men of means and education, who were willing to sacrifice it all for freedom and liberty. We can take pride in the fact that their legacy endures. Our forefathers made good that resolution. They succeeded and today we reap the fruits of their success. The 4th of July is the first great fact in our nation’s history.

As we celebrate this anniversary with pride and patriotism, let us not forget our servicemen and women who wear our country’s uniform, who suffer privation, hardship and danger, who put their lives on the line so that the freedom and liberties we enjoy will continue for generations to come. We owe to them our gratitude and thanks for the breath of freedom, for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that they make possible.

Generations of veterans have fought and given their lives to preserve these most vital issues in our lives all over the world in defense of freedom and liberty! These brave men and women protect our nation from a very real and elusive threat -- a faceless, cowardly enemy with no allegiance to any nation or any cause other than a commitment to deprive us of our liberty and freedoms. And again, our nation is faced with the trial of defending its birthright.

So, in John Adams’ words, we can build the bonfires and solemnize the occasion with pomp and parade. And we know the illuminations will endure from one end of the continent to the other -- from this time forward. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July….don’t spend too much on fireworks, and don’t blow off your fingers!!!

I encourage you to contact me with your suggestions or ideas. I can be reached at my Capitol office (573) 751-1484, or by e-mail at shannon.cooper@house.mo.gov. My mailing address is: Room 310, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.