GOOD DEEDS: Celebrating the Fourth of July

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

As summer comes bringing with it the unmistakable scent of freshly cut grass and impending cookouts our thoughts turn to a truly special day in Norfolk County and in our country, the Fourth of July. It is more than just fireworks and parades, it is our collective moment to celebrate the very birth of this nation and to honor the spirit of independence that led to our country's creation.

Celebrating the Fourth of July

Here in Norfolk County, the Fourth of July holds special meaning, thanks to our historical ties to the very birth of the United States of America. We are not just a county that observes history, we are a county that made it. Norfolk County has the honor of being the birthplace of four United States presidents, including John Adams and John Quincy Adams, crucial figures in the nation's founding. The communities that make up Norfolk County today played a role in the very events leading up to the Revolutionary War. The spirit of self-determination runs deep in the history of our communities.

 

Think of John Hancock, that prominent merchant and statesman with deep roots in Quincy and Braintree. His famously bold signature on the Declaration of Independence was not just a mark on parchment, it was an act of audacious defiance, a symbol of commitment that risked everything. As a leading figure in Massachusetts politics following the Revolution, he continued to serve the state as the very first Governor of Massachusetts notably signing the 1793 legislation that officially established Norfolk County.

 

Then there is John Adams, the second President of the United States and a key figure from Braintree which later became Quincy, who tirelessly championed American independence. As one of five Continental Congress members tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence, his influence was crucial. His contributions did not end there, he later served as a diplomat abroad which was instrumental in securing foreign alliances, particularly with France, which played a decisive role in the Revolutionary War.

 

There was Paul Revere, who has ties to Canton, who embarked on his famous ride to Lexington, specifically to warn Hancock and Adams that British troops were marching to seize colonial military supplies and arrest these very leaders. His urgent message, delivered as part of an alarm network, was vital in alerting these key patriots and giving local militias precious time to prepare.

 

The commitment to self-governance and the fierce willingness to stand against tyranny were deeply ingrained in the communities that now make up Norfolk County. These were the ideals that fueled the Revolutionary War, and they are the very same ideals we should celebrate on the Fourth of July.

 

So, as a county steeped in American history, Norfolk County offers a truly unique backdrop for our Fourth of July celebrations. Our communities do not just exemplify the enduring values of independence and resilience, they embody them having lived them from the very start.

 

This year, when you fire up the grill, head to a parade, or simply watch a firework display, take a moment to really feel the profound meaning of this day. Know that you are connecting to something truly extraordinary. Let us remember the immense sacrifices made for our freedom and wholeheartedly celebrate the spirit of our nation, right here in Norfolk County. After all, it is a legacy we have been living for centuries.

Happy 4th of July.