The second day of July1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. It ought to be solemnised with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the otheröfrom this time forward, for ever more.

-Adams,John
  Letter to his wife, 3  Jul, on the vote of Congress for independence from Britain.

We were a self-centred army without parade or gesture, devoted to freedom, the second of man's creeds, a purpose so ravenous that it devoured all our strength, a hope so transcendent that ourearlier ambitions faded in its glare.

-Arabia
  Seven Pillars of  Wisdom, ch.1.