BellGram 2026

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Happy 4th of July!

The History of Independence Day

On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event.
Conflict between the colonies and England was already a year old when the colonies convened a Continental Congress in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776. In a June 7 session in the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall), Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the famous words: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the exact same day: July 4, 1826.

Remarkably, their passing occurred on the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson died first at Monticello at the age of 83, and Adams died hours later in Massachusetts at the age of 90, entirely unaware of his friend's passing. Adams's last recorded words were, "Thomas Jefferson survives".

July Random Pics!

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Sharing Words & Songs!

Nick with his grandmother

Wayne lost his mom on May 24th. She was 90 years old.

Thanks to everyone who had him and his family in your prayers. Thanks for the thoughts, flowers, cards, gifts, calls and comforting words. It meant so much. Thanks to those who kept us in thoughts and prayers even if we didn't know it. Special thanks to Jean, Mattie, Vata, Glen, Wallace, Ursula, Isaiah, Ishmael, Sissy, Wayne & Loretta, Sharon & Kendall, Anika and Belinda. Hope we didn't forget anyone. We are so grateful.

Don't let mood decide your action.

Replace complaints with gratitude.