1776 + 235 = America

The importance of July 4th never really registered for me until the bicentennial celebrations of 1776. Maybe it was the fireworks that finally drove it home. I've learned a good deal more about the founding fathers in the 35 years since then, but the fact that still gives me the biggest kick is that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on this day in 1826, the 50th anniversary of the event that owes its existence to both of them. Despite their flaws, which have been especially well documented in Jefferson's case, both were extraordinary men whose deeds were truly earth-shaking. In between the cold drinks longing to be sipped, the hot dogs waiting to be grilled and the rockets yearning to glare red those achievements deserve at least a moment of reflection.