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 (1735–1826)
The slanders poured down like Niagara. If you take into consideration the setting—the war and the revolution—and the character of the accused—revolutionary leaders of millions who were conducting their party to the sovereign power—you can say without exaggeration that july 1917 was the month of the most gigantic slander in world history.
—Leon Trotsky (1879–1940)
I thank heaven that the 4th. of july is over. It is always a day of great fatigue to me, and of some embarrassments from improper intrusions and some from unintended exclusions.
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)