Welcome to Remain Human, a publication exploring humanity to understand a little more about what it takes to remain human in a time of rapid change. Today’s article serves as a reflection of the founding of the United States of America, what it looks like today, and where it might head in the future.
The Spark of 1776
On July 4th, 1776, 56 delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, marking the establishment of the United States of America. A day before, in a letter to his wife, John Adams remarked on the celebratory nature of the moment as well as the tension involved in maintaining this state of independence.
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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.
-- John Adams in a letter to Abigail Adams, July 3rd, 17761
The United States of America was formed by men and women who, steeped in Europe's rich heritage, dared to push the boundaries of excellence even further, to explore individuality, liberty, and self governance on an unprecedented scale.
Betsy Ross2, stitched into the first official flag of the nation, the undying spirit of the pursuit of happiness, a spirit that is seen in fiery fashion each year as we come together to reflect on where we've come from and where we are going.
Today's Mosaic of Celebration
Today, a mosaic of celebration shimmers in the light of national hope and pride. Small town parades, city festivals, backyard barbecues, community picnics, fireworks shows, family gatherings, rodeos, races, religious observances, historical reenactments, gun shows, ship and boat parades, military flyovers, air shows, and sports outings all commence under a canopy of red, white and blue.
From West to East, North to South, people of all kinds come together to celebrate the story of America, a story that is, at it's heart, about the ability of humanity to seek greater heights. We all celebrate, in personal, meaningful ways to remind ourselves of this nation's foundation in individuality, community, and excellence.
As John Adams referenced in his letter, we are also a costly nation. To experience such a unique expression of Western values, we must engage in war, protect each other, make mistakes and admit to them, move forward boldly on the values that prop us up, and live with the tension that comes with freedom.
There must be a balance between exploring new realms of social welfare and national progress, and maintaining social stability and national unity. This balance is created through struggle. A nation that doesn’t allow struggle to happen, that enforces a side or smothers dissenting opinions is not one that promotes liberty.
America is a nation of voluntary struggle and because of this it keeps moving forward. It seeks to balance the frontier spirit that founded this country with the cultural integrity that united the States. It is messy. It is filled with hardship. It is uncomfortable and at times tragic, but no country has met its own problems with as much vigor and tenacity as the United States of America.
Freedom-Forward
Let Independence Day 2025 be a reminder that, regardless of the change we experience or the adversity we face, we are One Nation, that stands united for the love of a country that, from its origin promoted liberty above all else. The United States of America is only so because it refused to crumble under the pressures of external and internal forces.
In a letter to John Adams in 1813, Thomas Jefferson talks of how a "natural aristocracy", built with virtue and talent instead of wealth or birth, is essential to the future of society and government. He talks of keeping "avenues of information open" and the "mind free". He also reflects on a key disagreement between himself and Adams and showcases how the two of them must continue forward through friendship and a shared commitment to liberty.
I have thus stated my opinion on a point on which we differ, not with a view to controversy, for we are both too old to change opinions which are the result of a long life of enquiry and reflection; but on the suggestion of a former letter of yours that we ought not to die before we have explained ourselves to each other. we acted in perfect harmony thro’ a long and perilous contest for our liberty and independance. a constitution has been acquired which, tho neither of us think perfect, yet both consider as competent to render our fellow-citizens the happiest and the securest on whom the sun has ever shone. if we do not think exactly alike as to it’s imperfections, it matters little to our country which, after devoting to it long lives of disinterested labor, we have delivered over to our successors in life, who will be able to take care of it, and of themselves.
-- Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, October 28th, 18133
Thomas Jefferson counted on us to continue carrying the torch of liberty and use it to remind ourselves that while we are imperfect in our execution of freedom, we must always light a way forward.
In 2025, division over policies and issues increases. Whether you're unhappy or happy with the State of the Union, you're an American and those beside you are your fellow Americans. We're here to engage with each other, and through that civic engagement come up with possible solutions to nuanced, complex and ongoing dilemmas. We might get it wrong at times, but we will eventually and certainly get it right.
The history of this beautiful country is proof that we have always been a freedom-forward nation.
Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, "Had a Declaration..." [electronic edition]. Adams Family Papers: An Electronic Archive. Massachusetts Historical Society. https://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/archive/doc?id=L17760703jasecond
Betsy Ross made flags from her shop in Philadelphia for Continental forces, but there is not a lot of documentation on her making the nations first official flag. However, as a part of American myth, and through oral and written traditions of early America, she has become a legend as the woman who created the flag the first Americans came to love.
“Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 28 October 1813,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-06-02-0446. [Original source: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Retirement Series, vol. 6, 11 March to 27 November 1813, ed. J. Jefferson Looney. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2009, pp. 562–568.]