It was July 8, 1776. Founder Samuel Adams had just heard the Declaration of Independence read aloud in public for the first time. As described in a 1976 narrative by renowned journalist Charles Kuralt, "Samuel Adams was celebrating inside himself …”

In spite of his excitement, Samuel Adams understood what likely lay ahead for his countrymen. As he walked back to his rooming house, Adams knew what he had to do next.

We are now just days into the 234th year of celebrating the birth of our country on the fourth of July with fireworks, parades, cookouts, and beverages – perhaps even a bottle of Samuel Adams.

Back then, these precious “following days” were days of personal decision for many.

In reality, the same remains the case for today’s citizens.

As delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, 56 patriots – including Samuel Adams – would vote to approve the document known as the Declaration of Independence.

Then, as I noted last week, each of those patriots would, in turn, dare “to pick up pen, dip it in their personal well of courage”, and sign the Declaration during the “following days” of July and August, 1776.

The late television newsman Charles Kuralt retold the story this way, “Having walked back to his boarding house … (Adams) took up a bundle of letters he had received from friends and patriots down (through) the years.

“These were letters which might hang those friends now, if they ever fell into the hands of the British.” Inside his rooming house “… Adams spent a long time with a pair of scissors… snipping those letters into tiny bits.”

Then, rather than burn or bury the missive private words of fellow patriots, Adams “opened his second-story window … so he could look down on the chaos in the street below”.

Savoring the sights and sounds of the freedom revelry below, Samuel Adams, “ … quite thoughtfully and quietly, he let those little bits of paper fly by the handful.”

“ … and fluttered down on the celebration – confetti for a new nation.”

“Then quite tired and quite satisfied, Sam Adams closed the window and went to sleep.”

Kuralt ended his Fourth of July narrative saying, “Maybe we don't need fireworks. Maybe some small private act of celebration is enough.”

Perhaps, like Samuel Adams before, many Americans understand what may lie ahead these “following days.”

Which begs the question, “How many Americans would dare sign the Declaration during these ‘following days’ of July and August, 234 years later?”

And, perhaps, they may join me at www.CFC.us in order to proclaim their individu support for the self-evident truths and principles inherent in our country’s founding by signing the Declaration of Independence.

Paraphrasing Kuralt, let’s hope that such a small private act of declaration by individual Americans during these “following days” will be enough.

Columnist Note: The Charles Kuralt narrative record is sourced from the outstanding work done by compilation researcher James R. Heintze, American University, Washington D.C.

Richard Olivastro is president of Olivastro Communications; a member of the National Speakers Association; and founder of Citizens For Change (www.CFC.us). He can be reached via e-mail: RichOlivastro@gmail.com or telephone at 877.RichSpeaks.