“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it,” wrote John Adams, founding father and second President of the United States. It is our obligation to preserve our nation’s past in order to be better equipped for the future. Throughout their lives, the Adams family demonstrated selfless leadership during times of uncertainty, perpetual courage, and an undying love of country—not only defining what it means to be an American, but exemplifying the values that built the foundation of our nation.
We are here to today to celebrate the birthday of John Adams and the legacy of the Adams family, who led notable lives worthy of documentation. Since the beginning of John Adams’ career, he shaped his law practice on fairness and equal treatment. Adams defended the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre in court despite receiving enormous public criticism. Though his law practice suffered greatly as a result, he did so because of his deeply-held conviction …show more content…
Her correspondence with husband John Adams stressed the urgency to protect the political, social, and educational rights of women, famously highlighting the need to “remember the ladies.” Abigail’s commitment to equal rights also extended into the rights of blacks. She was wholly convinced of the evils of slavery and was a lifelong supporter of its abolition. When a young African-American boy asked her if he could learn how to read, not only did she teach him, but she also sent him to evening school and defended his education to the neighbors who questioned her. Abigail’s fearless advocacy for women and blacks is a testament to her passionate leadership and dedication to equal