From those earliest days, the Founding Fathers knew what Independence Day would be all about, even before the day earned its title. On July 3, 1776, the day after the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Second Continental Congress, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail. In the letter, he said he believed Americans would celebrate independence on July 2. He was slightly off on that count, but what he wrote next resonates with most of today’s Independence Day celebrations. “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival,” he writes. Then, a little later in the letter, Adams continues, “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” From the very first celebration on the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams’ words rang true. On July 4, 1777, there were parades, feasts, and fireworks — though maybe not quite from one end of the continent to the other — at least not yet. Today, the spectacle of the Fourth of July is bigger than ever, and this year it’s sure to be a blast, with people going all out in their celebration of freedom and the United States. But it’s important to remember that Independence Day goes beyond the celebration of freedom. It’s also the celebration of the American Dream.
For many Americans across the country, Independence Day is a day dedicated to family, friends, food, and fireworks. It’s a day off to relax as we gather in our backyards, on our patios, on a boat, or in the park. We fire up the grill, toss on a few burgers, hot dogs, or steaks — or all of the above. We laugh, celebrate, and have a good time before the sun starts to set and the fireworks shows begin. The Fourth of July is a celebration of a hard-fought ideal: freedom. As we barbecue and watch the fireworks, the day serves as a reminder that people over 245 years ago came together with this ideal in mind. Freedom is all that mattered, and the Founding Fathers, along with those who believed in them, came together to do everything they could to ensure that freedom. A DAY OF LASTING MEANING The Fourth of July
TAKE A BREAK
The Best Texas-Style Smoked Brisket Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Impress guests at your next barbecue with this perfectly smoked brisket. Plus, you’ll have plenty of leftovers!
Ingredients
Directions
• Wood chips • 1/4 cup paprika • 1/4 cup white sugar • 1/4 cup ground cumin • 1/4 cup cayenne pepper • 1/4 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup chili powder • 1/4 cup garlic powder • 1/4 cup onion powder • 1/4 cup salt • 1/4 cup pepper • 10 lbs brisket
1. In a bowl, soak wood chips in water overnight. 2. In a large bowl, mix paprika, white sugar, cumin, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Rub spice mixture on the brisket and refrigerate for 24 hours. 4. Preheat smoker to 230 F. Drain wood chips and place them in the smoker. 5. Smoke brisket until it has an internal temperature of 165 F. 6. Remove brisket and wrap it in aluminum foil. 7. Smoke brisket further until it reaches an internal temperature of 185 F.
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