One of my Fourth of July traditions is to watch the movie musical “1776.” I had the great fortune to see the musical live as a kid, during the Bicentennial year, in Philadelphia, in a square near Independence Hall, where the original events took place.

We were not what you would have called a customary theater-going family. Just hicks from the sticks (central Florida), visiting my mom’s brother that summer. In addition to taking us to see “1776,” my uncle also took us to see “Porgy and Bess.” I liked both. Rather, I liked “Porgy,” but I became an instant and lifelong fan of “1776,” and a John Adams booster long before McCullough got around to writing his bio. The mini-series was terrific.

We were so incredibly blessed as a people, to be gifted with that group of patriotic men and women at that pivotal point in history. Considering the odds. Considering the unprecedented nature of it. Considering the fallibility of each individual involved. Considering the personality clashes. Considering the years, the decades, it took to truly take root and hold fast.

However did independence happen?

Had to be Providence.

Wretchard, thanks for marking the occasion of America’s birthday. I know we have a number of non-American readers, and I don’t know how you folks feel about your native countries, but it seems with (some, used to be more) Americans there can be this almost wild, deep, word-surpassing love for this land, for this heritage of ours. The deeper the love, the deeper the anguish and heartache in seeing that heritage in jeopardy.

God help us.