Independence Day

Today is the Fourth of July, what we Americans celebrate as Independence Day. I have celebrated with coworkers watching fireworks last night, and had cookout hamburgers with the fam - you know, the usual 4th fare.

Occasionally, a thought strikes this history buff "What if George Washington or the other founding fathers were to come back and visit today's United States?" What would they say, what would they think?

I imagine George Washington in my front seat as I fly down the highway at speeds his generation could not imagine. Speaking of flying, how bad would he freak out watching clouds pass by through the plane window? I think technology would be frightening, but hey, starting a country was frightening I'm sure.

What would it be like to have a conversation with Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin? Would we even understand each other? How would I explain what I do every day? How would I even explain what I am doing right now? Franklin would probably get it. :) What would I ask? What would I wear? :)

...Did you know you would change the world?
...Did you know this independence would bring the most powerful nation in the world?
...What was it like to hold the pen and sign your name pledging your lives, fortunes and sacred honor?
...What did it cost you? Was it worth it?
...What did you imagine 'our posterity' would look like?
...Do you think we've done a good job?
...Do you like the monuments? :)
...What inspired you?
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Oh beautiful, for heroes proved, in liberating strife
Who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life
America, America, may God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!