John Adams

John Adams . . . wow, how he has just recently become SUCH an inspiration to me! I have talked about John Adams with my fifth graders each year - but it was just last week and last weekend that I now see him in a completely different light. I rented the HBO series (thanks to pressures from Kimberly!!!) John Adams based on the book by David McCullough - and finished watching in on Saturday. It was a seven part series about the key role that Adams played in the formation of this country. He is one of our Founding Fathers - and I see now how his views, accomplishments, and service to our country helped shape it in many ways.

His leadership in the Continental Congress and as our second president has resonated with me as I think about becoming more of a leader in my profession. This movie taught me EVEN MORE about the time period of the Boston Massacre, the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, the first presidents of the United States, George Washington, Thomas Jeffferson, and SO much more. I have always been very interested in this time period and even more now. John Adams . . . an important historical figure in our country's history. A significant figure that played a major role in creating these United States. I have a great deal of respect for the goals he had for the country, and in the important role his marriage with Abigail played in the decisions he made.

He is buried beside his wife, Abigail, and by his son John Quincy Adams (the 6th President of the United States) and his wife in the basement vault of the First Parish Church in Quincy, Massachusetts. Quincy appears to be about 25 minutes south of Boston - and I plan to visit his burial site on my trip to Boston in July. I am driving south when I leave Boston - and making a little stop there will be on my way. I hope to see the final resting place of this important President!

Significant Contributions to the United States

1. Attended the First Continental Congress 1774-1776

2. Signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776

3. Served as diplomat for the United States to France 1776-1779

4. Represented the United States in the Treaty of Paris/Peace with Great Britain (ending the Revolutionary War) in 1783.

5. United States Ambassador to the British Court 1783-1788 (Abigail was with him during this time in London without their children)

6. Elected our country's first Vice President in 1789!

7. Elected our country's second President in 1796 (serving only one term because Jefferson received more votes than he did in the presidential election).

8. Died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the our nation's birth and the signing of the Declaration of Independence and on the same day that Thomas Jefferson (author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States) died. Adams and Jefferson corresponded through many letters after Adams left his presidency and over time their friendship was repaired and strengthened even though they never saw each other again. I think it is just incredible that they died on the same day.

Today's blog is dedicated to John Adams . . . a true American Hero!