A Day of New Beginnings
“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.” - John Adams
Like many holidays, the celebration of Independence Day often overshadows the meaning behind it. I for one love a great barbeque and watching fireworks each year, as I am sure many of you also do. While social distancing may put a damper on lots of our summer plans this year, Independence Day will mark an opportunity to spend a little time with friends and family and celebrate America’s birthday.
I always take a little time to think more about the meaning behind the holiday itself two days earlier though, on July 2nd. It was on this day that the Second Continental Congress approved a formal resolution declaring separation from England, while July 4th was the date shown on the published Declaration of Independence. Normally a work day, July 2nd provides an opportunity for a less-hectic reflection on the founding of the United States. 244 years later, the risks taken by our country’s founders still amaze and inspire me. After all, the signing of the Declaration of Independence was itself a public declaration of treason. In a world where we can easily settle into the comforts of certain routines in our day-to-day lives, the actions taken by the founders serve as a reminder that change, although risky, is not always a bad thing.
This year on this solemn anniversary of America’s founding, I find myself taking on a major change with the official opening of my own law firm: John R. Theadore - Attorney at Law, PLLC. The firm is designed to focus on high-quality legal advice and services to clients throughout the Western Catskills and beyond, while remaining committed to a small town attitude. In the weeks and months to come, I hope to be serving the legal needs of those of you who have taken the time to read this first blog post.
