Four Quotes on Celebrating the Fourth
Read Jefferson's thoughts on celebrating Independence Day.
“ I concur with my friends in congratulations on the anniversary return of the independance [sic] and happiness of our country. May these be as many as I believe they will!”
While serving as U.S. Minister to France, Jefferson received one of the earliest acknowledgements of his authorship of the Declaration of Independence.
Read A Fourth of July Tribute to Thomas Jefferson
“ The only birthday I ever commemorate is that of our Independence, the Fourth of July.”
Jefferson rejected the English idea of "birthday honors" people in power, preferring to celebrate the birthday of America instead.
Read Margaret Bayard Smith's memoir
“ [T]he continued repetition of these commemorations thro' ages to come, and the faithful preservation, pure and unchanged, of the spirit of that great day which gave them birth, will be themes of unceasing prayer with me.”
In Jefferson's regrets to an invitation to attend a 4th of July celebration, he expressed his hopes for future generations to fulfill the promise of the Declaration.
“ All eyes are opened, or opening to the rights of man....For ourselves let the annual return of this day, for ever refresh our recollections of these rights and an undiminished devotion to them.”
Just 10 days before his death on the 50th 4th of July, Jefferson made his final remarks on celebrating Independence Day.
