John Adams to Abigail Adams – July 1776 – Philadelphia
“I am apt to believe that it (the day) will be celebration 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 shoes, games, spots, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations for one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”