Decatur’s fireworks have been pushed back to September.  Avondale has rescheduled for late August.

And we aren’t alone.  It seems like most 4th of July parades and fireworks up and down the eastern seaboard have been cancelled today due to nasty weather and flooding.  So folks all over the U.S. are likely scrambling to schedule alternative plans to celebrate our country’s independence from ol’ King George.

All of this to ask the question “What indoor activities are you planning on today?”

First a bit of less-often quoted Jefferson…

“not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of . . . but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take.”

Then a little John Adams.  (Wish I could publish the actual handwritten letter, but instead I’ll settle for linking to and quoting from it.)

The second day of 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, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Then maybe some beat poetry by Lawrence Ferlinghetti…

I am waiting for my case to come up

and I am waiting

for a rebirth of wonder

and I am waiting for someone

to really discover America

and wail

and I am waiting

for the discovery

of a new symbolic western frontier

and I am waiting

for the American Eagle

to really spread its wings

and straighten up and fly right

And finally a little bit of anonymous verse…

I’ve got a rocket

In my pocket;

I cannot stop to play.

Away it goes!

I’ve burned my toes.

It’s Independence Day.

Happy 4th all!