Attorney Falco at the John Adams’ Amsterdam residence this past weekend.
Two hundred and fifty years after the Declaration of Independence, I find myself standing in Amsterdam where another Quincy lawyer once worked to help make that independence possible.
John Adams, born in Braintree, MA and a lawyer from Quincy’s own roots, came here as a diplomat during the Revolution. In Amsterdam, he fought for recognition, built alliances, and helped secure the financial support that strengthened the cause of a new nation.
Adams died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after America declared independence.
I was born on July 4th in Quincy Massachusetts, a date forever connected to the ideals Adams helped defend: liberty, law, and self-government.
As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it is remarkable to stand in the places where the work of our founders happened — and to reflect on the long line connecting a Quincy attorney of the 1700s with a Quincy attorney today.
History isn’t just something we read. . . Sometimes, you can stand where it happened.
– Anthony
