I knew that the day’s celebrations were all about the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Fortunately, I grew up with parents who taught my brother and me the meaning of national holidays. In GREAT EVENTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY, I tell the story of this pivotal moment in our nation’s past. What stirs me most is the hopefulness that swelled like the hot July day in the hearts of those patriots. I wrote:

“In the sweltering heat of the Pennsylvania State House–now Independence Hall–sunlight suddenly pierced the tall windows. A new nation had just been born, upholding its beginnings as a city upon a hill for the entire world to see. Breaking the reverent silence, John Hancock brought laughter to the delegates when he wryly commented, ‘Gentlemen, the price on my head has just been doubled!’ After which, Sam Adams stood and declared, ‘We have this day restored the Sovereign, to Whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and . . . from the rising to the setting sun, may His Kingdom come.’”

I think his particular “benediction” continues to suit us more than 200 years later.