“[Definition of a Canadian:] Someone who knows how to make love
in a canoe.”
—Pierre
Berton, Canadian writer
Friday, July 4: Independence Day The following passage is from a letter written by future president John Adams—one of the leaders in the effort to declare independence—to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. In it, he predicts with amazing accuracy what Independence Day would come to mean for millions of Americans yet unborn:
Monday, July 14: Bastille Day (France) Gouverneur Morris served as American Minister to France during the French Revolution. As such, he was eyewitness to many of its events. His diary entry for July 14, 1789, catches the mood of the auspicious day, shows that Morris appreciated the importance of it, and expresses uncertainty as to whether King Louis XVI and his court at Versailles fully appreciated the storm that was brewing. The short entry from the diary of Louis XVI that follows proves that Morris was right in thinking that the monarchy was out of touch with reality.
Tuesday, August 26: Women's Equality Day Observed on the anniversary of the day in 1920 on which the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, became part of the U.S. Constitution.
