The Declaration contains perhaps the greatest sentence ever crafted by human hand

AMERICA’S 250TH — A GUEST ESSAY BY WALTER ISAACSON

When Thomas Jefferson finished a first draft of what was to become the Declaration of Independence, he sent it to Benjamin Franklin on the morning of Friday, June 21, 1776. “Will Doctor Franklin,” he wrote in his cover note, “suggest such alterations as his more enlarged view of the subject will dictate?” 

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For the next 10 days, the drafting committee made edits and tweaks. Most notable was the crafting of the soaring second sentence. Other nations had been born out of conquests and rebellions, usually based on tribal or religious identities. 

But the United States was born out of an ideal, which they proclaimed in the memorable words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

It may be the greatest sentence ever crafted by human hand. 

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation it brought forth, we have become increasingly polarized. But birthdays can be a time to put differences aside and celebrate, with gratitude, who we are. One way to lower the temperature is by appreciating anew the sentence that became our common creed and mission statement.

ON THE CALENDAR

No birthday party quite like a 250th. Americans will turn out this weekend in red, white and blue for barbecues, fireworks, parades and more in New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Charlotte and everywhere in between. Happy birthday, America. 

In the Big Apple, the “largest flotilla of the world’s tall ships” from more than 20 nations will sail down the Hudson through New York Harbor at Sail250. And down at Coney Island, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest returns for its 111th year. The over/under, as always, is stomach-turning. 

In Washington, the Capitol Fourth Concert — featuring Patti LaBelle, Kool & The Gang and the National Symphony Orchestra — joins the National Mall’s Great American State Fair and the Independence Day Parade down Constitution Avenue. A full dance card, even by D.C. standards.

In Atlanta, runners will fly down 10 kilometers of the Track Club’s Peachtree Road Race. And if you’re not fleet of foot, there’s a $100 gift card waiting for the best sign.

Out west, Festival Napa Valley’s summer season begins this weekend: operas, jazz orchestras and a culinary garden showcasing the best of Napa. No better way to spend a summer evening.

And on the pitch: the World Cup’s Round of 32 ends today, and the Round of 16 gets underway. Argentina faces the tiny but mighty Cape Verde; Canada and Morocco meet tomorrow; and Norway takes on Brazil Sunday. 

And on Monday night in Seattle, the U.S. takes the field with a quarterfinal berth on the line. Not a bad way to ring in the next 250. 

LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

For today’s special edition, we asked you about your fondest Fourth of July traditions. Here’s what The Tea community said: 

My mom’s birthday was July 4, 1924. She always was a proud Yankee Doodle Dandy and a proud American. Dad, a WW2 vet, would always dress in red, white and blue from his hat to the socks every 4th of July for both the country and his wife. It was always bbq, family and whoever stopped by. Fun times that we still honor!

—Doug L., Charlotte, North Carolina

Every 4th of July my Dad, along with his fellow American Legion cronies, started the day with a flag raising ceremony in the town center-then, they all marched in the town parade and finally finished the day with the town fireworks. They did this tirelessly and with much pride year after year. These true blue real patriots taught me all I needed to know about being an American. Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labour Day this group of Americans taught the entire town that being a proud American wasn’t about wearing red, white and blue or yelling at the top of our lungs, but rather quietly taking care of those who might need a helping hand. They’re all gone now, but the memory of what they did has stayed with me all of my 78 years. Happy Birthday, America!

—Anonymous

One of my most cherished memories is of my dad on July 4, 1976 — America’s Bicentennial. As a skilled pyrotechnician, he was entrusted with creating the fireworks display from a barge just off the coast of Long Beach, California. It was a breathtaking show that lit up the sky for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of spectators.

Standing there watching, I couldn’t have been prouder. Seeing my father’s talent and hard work bring so much joy to so many people is a memory I’ll carry with me forever. He loved this country and took great pride in celebrating its history that day.

P.S. He was a lifelong Democrat, and knowing him as I did, there’s no doubt he never would have voted for Trump.