Voices of Liberty
Voices of Liberty is a collection of reflections and perspectives from supporters of The Adams Memorial Foundation. Through personal insights, historical observations, and tributes to public service, contributors share why preserving this important chapter of American history matters today. These voices help advance the mission of creating a national Adams Memorial in Washington, D.C., and ensuring future generations continue to learn from one of the nation's most influential families.
“You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your Freedom.”
The Founding Fathers risked everything, including their lives, so we could be free. We can never repay them but we can honor them by remembering their lives and many sacrifices.
Harry Kang
CEO | Caswell-Massey
John Adams and the Founders were not perfect; they were merely the smartest, bravest, most honorable men that this world has ever produced.
Tom Hillery
Henderson, Nevada
I am proud and honored to be able to support the important work of the Adams Family Foundation...
in highlighting the legacy of that extraordinary family. The Adams family, headed by John and Abigail, was instrumental in helping to launch the early American colonies into the nation we have today. It merits a long overdue place in our nation’s history on the National Mall.
Susan Combs
We admire the exceptional legacy of devotion, excellence and service the Adams family represents in our U.S. history. John Adams exemplified a relentless commitment to principle, and his leadership was pivotal in bringing America to fruition. His special partnership with his wife, Abigail, was ahead of its time, and she demonstrated a unique strength and savvy that typifies the American can-do spirit. Their values persist and amplify in John Quincy Adams, with his love of country and long tenure of service. As native Washingtonians, we have grown up among the monuments honoring our nation’s forefathers and leaders, and the Adams family deserves its place of honor in our nation’s capital.
Adrienne and Jack Kalavritinos
I’m so proud to be an American citizen. I was adopted as a baby and naturalized as a child. I can still remember that moment. I was four years old and it was 1976, our country’s Bicentennial. I thank God daily for being able to live, work, love, and thrive in the beautiful, diverse, United States of America. I feel blessed when I travel and get to experience each state’s uniqueness. God bless America!
Pamela Lynne Sorensen
A great man such as John Adams, and his courageous wife, Abigail Adams, deserve their rightful place on our National Mall in Washington, D.C. A memorial honoring their lives should reflect the ideals they championed, the vision they shared, and the enduring legacy they left to the people of the United States. Through their leadership, sacrifice, wisdom, and commitment to liberty, they helped lay the foundation for what has become the greatest nation in the world.
Eva Cichy
President John Adams, a Person and President of Balance
As John Adams witnessed the relationship between Great Britain and its American colonies become increasingly strained, he worked tirelessly to maintain and improve a positive relationship between them. But as New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania continued to grow, and the South expanded its agricultural economy, tensions with Britain increased. England imposed taxes and tariffs that raised concerns throughout the colonies, while support grew among Americans for becoming a free and independent nation.
In the end, John Adams became a strong advocate for American independence from Britain and for the principles of self-government. Although he was not elected the nation's first president, Adams served his country with distinction as vice president under George Washington. In 1796, he was elected the second president of the United States, with Thomas Jefferson serving as his vice president.
After losing the presidency to Jefferson in 1800, Adams remained deeply interested in and supportive of the United States and its future. His dedication to the ideals of liberty, public service, and nation-building helped shape the foundation of our republic and continues to inspire Americans today.
Gerald R. Cichy
The Adams family legacy is the hard, ordinary, unfinished work of building a democratic republic worthy of its promises. John Adams helped found and then lead the young nation. But perhaps even more praiseworthy, he submitted to the peaceful transfer of power to a rival political party — setting a world-changing precedent. It was the behavior of a true patriot.
John and Abigail both understood that patriotism is never passive. It lives in sacrifice, vigilance, conscience, education, debate, compassion and the willingness to demand better of the nation. Together, they worked toward a more just country than the one they would live to see, holding fast to principles that would take generations to ripen — from the long struggle against slavery to Abigail’s own plea to “remember the ladies.” As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, their voices still call to us across the centuries, reminding us that the revolution is unfinished and must be fought by every generation, including ours.
Stephanie Dray
In an age that often celebrates power, the Adams family reminds us of the virtue of humility.
John and Abigail served their country with courage, sacrifice, and a deep sense of duty, seeking not personal glory but the preservation of liberty for future generations.
Kristin Rae Cecchi
Founder | The Third Line Project
Co-Owner| The City Tavern
Join the Voices Behind the Memorial
The voices featured in Voices of Liberty come from individuals who believe the Adams family's legacy deserves a permanent place in our nation's capital. By supporting The Adams Memorial Foundation, you help advance this historic effort and become part of a growing community committed to preserving one of America's most important stories.