John Adams
Was it mere coincidence or was there a larger force at work? Decided for yourself if this July 4th story is a divine (or cosmic) nod to the founders of our great nation:
On July 4th, 1776, fifty-six men signed their names to a document that would change the world. From elementary school on, Americans learn that ‘freedom of speech’ and the ability to petition are our constitutional rights, so it’s difficult to truly comprehend the bravery of that act. For those men, signing their names to such a document meant taking a terrifying risk. But for their bravery, we were rewarded: independence was declared, our rights were proclaimed, and the United States of America was born.
Tomas Jefferson
Their signatures, however, did not signify an immediate ‘happy ending’. The next fifty years brought turmoil including the Revolutionary War and invasion. It was a tumultuous and tense time for those who were struggling to create our great nation, and our founding fathers didn’t always agree.
John Adams, visionary patriot and America’s second president, and Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration’s author and America’s third president, had a famous rivalry. Though both fought passionately for American independence, but their different viewpoints on how to achieve it made for debates so heated, the pair stopped speaking to each other for years.
Then, on July 4, 1826, the two great men and past presidents left this world for the next. Yes, both Adams and Jefferson died on the same day, fifty years to the day of the Declaration’s signing.
According to legend, Adams’ last words were “Jefferson survives,” lamenting that his rival lived on. What Adams didn’t know was that Jefferson had died only a few hours earlier.
James Monroe
At the time, Americans saw the timing of their passing as approval from God himself, that two of the greatest American patriots were welcomed into Heaven on the same day. And the coincidence didn’t stop there. Five years later, on July 4, 1831, Heaven opened its gates once more. America’s fifth president, James Monroe also died on Independence Day.
Could it be a mere coincidence that three of our first five US Presidents were called home to rest on July 4th? Or, did a greater force honor those who fought for our earliest freedoms and worked to lay the framework for this great nation?
These days, it’s tough to think of a current politician who inspires the kind of passion, pride and respect our Founding Fathers cultivated. But just remember when you’re griping about your least favorite politician – how fantastic it is that we have the freedom to do so!
Whether your celebration centers around cookouts, beach trips, or just staying inside and watching ‘1776’ in the air conditioning, the entire Matchmaker Logistics team wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day. May God continue to bless America!
Show your patriotism this weekend,
~Bob
