If you call yourself an American, you should know whose final words those are. That was the last thing 83 year old Thomas Jefferson said before he died on the fourth of July, 1826, in Charlottesville Virginia. Ironically, 50 years to the day after the Declaration of Independence, which he authored, was signed. But Jefferson was way more than a founding father of our country and I'd be willing to bet that he himself is at least partially responsible for the freedom you, and I, and everyone living in this blessed country enjoys today.
Jefferson did it all. Most will remember him as the third President of the United States but don't forget he practically built the place. He was the first Secretary of State to George Washington. He was the second Vice President of the United States to John Adams but he probably won't be remembered as a politician. He was motivated by his belief that individuals have certain inalienable rights and that motivated him to accomplish great things. Jefferson graduated from the College of William & Mary at 16 years old, he was Governor of Virginia, he founded the University of Virginia and he planned everything from its architecture to its curriculum. He invented dozens of practical devices and he's been called the "Father of Archaeology" for his brilliant excavation methods. He was a wine collector, an author, an artist, a lawyer, and he used to greet guests at the White House in a bathrobe and slippers so they would feel welcomed.
He left the legacy of an American Patriot that hasn't been seen in decades, maybe centuries now so when he asked "Is it the fourth?" right before he passed you can be sure he wasn't just confirming what date it was. He was referring to the day his country was born. He was asking because it is everything he lived for.
It is the fourth baby.
