In 1826 our still new country was excited about celebrating its fiftieth birthday. Messengers carried invitations to Thomas Jefferson and John Adams asking them to speak at celebration events in many places, especially their hometowns of Charlottesville, Virginia and Quincy, Massachusetts. Jefferson was known as “the pen” of the Declaration of Independence and Adams “the voice.” Nothing could be better than having at least one of them at a fiftieth celebration.

But Jefferson, with failing health at 83, and Adams close to death at almost 90, could not expect to travel even short distances. They did, however, both determine they would live to see one final Fourth. The two former presidents, along with 88-year-old Charles Carroll of Maryland, were the last living signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Flags were snapping in a wonderful cool breeze this morning, July 2, 2026, as I sat on a bench in Bainbridge, Georgia’s town square. My friend Jane had an appointment nearby and I told her I’d love to wait for her in the park. Watching the flags and listening to the courthouse clock bong the hour, I thought about our brave ancestors who gave so much for us to enjoy the freedoms we depend on and often take for granted. I thought particularly about John Adams and Thomas Jefferson having recently read David McCullough’s account of their final Fourth in his book John Adams.

John Adams had envisioned the celebration of the union being on July 2 which was the day Congress voted to approve the document. But the actual formal approval was on the Fourth and that day was chosen. Adams also envisioned the celebration in many years to come including solemn devotion to God and gratitude to Him. He envisioned “pomp, parade, shows, games, sports” with firing of guns, ringing bells, and fireworks.

Early in the morning of July 4, 1826, according to McCullough, as the first cannons began to roar, the Reverend George Whitney arrived at Braintree Farm to visit Adams. He reported that “the old man was drawing to his end.” As efforts were made to change his position in the bed, Adams roused and spoke clearly, “It is a great day. It is a good day.”

At Monticello in Charlottesville, Thomas Jefferson had been unconscious since the night of July 2, McCullough wrote. When he did rouse briefly on July 3, he was confused and thought it was already the Fourth. He spoke his last words about 4:00 a.m., July 4, 1826. McCullough writes that he called in the servants “with a strong clear voice,” but that it was unknown which servants or what he said. He died at 1:00 that afternoon.

Adams lay apparently peacefully that day even as cannons grew louder and a thunderstorm struck. Late in the afternoon, the account goes on, Adams stirred and whispered, “Thomas Jefferson survives.” He didn’t realize his old friend and correspondent, political enemy, and great statesman had already died. John Adams died at 6:20, July 4, 1826.

Small towns like Cairo and Bainbridge, Georgia will celebrate the Fourth, as will millions from New York to San Francisco, with fireworks, “illuminations,” parades and concerts. It is not just the 50th; it is the 250th! The Cairo Messenger proclaims it will be a celebration like no other. They will even have go-carts and decorated bicycles in a downtown parade.

My prayer is that we would remember the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence and, like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, treasure our freedoms. Let us pray diligently for our nation and wave our flags with pride.

May God bless America!