“No Nation can boast a more illustrious origin”

“And well may this be a proud day of triumph and festivity,” the speech begins, “for no nation can boast a more illustrious origin: the annals of no people are adorned by an event so splendid in itself, so important in its consequences, as that which we are now celebrating. The festivities of the old world are too often the affectation of joy purchased by government to decorate with smiles the languid misery of the nation—but this day witnesses the spontaneous rejoicings of an emancipated content.”

Biddle goes on to recount the heroic formation of the United States, and assess its significance, from vividly close range. Follow along, in gratitude to our forebears—and to Vital Speeches’ chief of rhetoric history Neil Hrab. (A Canadian!)