In quoting John Adams’ letter regarding how we should celebrate July Fourth in your editorial of that date (“Our View: Celebrate the Fourth and reject nationalism”), you left out his words about thanking God.

For the benefit of your readers, here is what Adams wrote:

“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Terrence Goodwin

Portland