As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we are not only celebrating the birth of our country but also the achievements of our Founding Fathers. Many of our Founding Fathers have received monuments and served as presidents or held a place in a cabinet. One Founding Father people seem to forget during this holiday is the second president of the United States, John Adams. For me, John Adams is one of the greatest historical figures in our country's history. Here's why...

1. Adams was a principled man and believed in the rule of law.

Although Adams objected to unfair taxation by the British government, he still volunteered to represent British soldiers who were charged with manslaughter. Adams wanted to ensure the soldiers received a fair trial. After three weeks of the trial, Adams won an acquittal for seven of the British soldiers. He always fought for what was right, not for maintaining his reputation.

2. He married Abigail Adams, and she was his trusted confidant.

Whether he was in Independence Hall, the White House, or the court room, Adams always turned to his wife and "dearest friend," Abigail, for advice on what to do. Abigail's most famous advice to Adams was to "remember the ladies" when he was helping to write the Declaration of Independence. Adams once wrote to Abigail he could do nothing without her guidance.

3. Adams nominated Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence.

As part of the committee, Adams and Franklin were trying to figure out who should write the famous document. Adams chose Jefferson as the person who would be best for the job. When asked why he did not nominate himself, Adams said Jefferson was liked by the Congress and was a good writer, the complete opposite of himself. Adams was able to recognize the talents of others. He then persuaded Jefferson to take on the job. Once the final draft was written, Adams was the first to sign the document.

4. He never owned a slave.

Out of the first five presidents, Adams was the only who never owned any slaves to help with his properties.

5. Adams was the first to propose the idea of the U.S. Military.

Even though he first proposed the idea in 1776, Adams' idea became official in 1812. We can think of him as the father of our military.

6. He was a great leader.

Adams was able to see the big picture while fighting for our Independence and persuade others to join the fight.

7. Adams nominated George Washington to be the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

He had the ability to see potential in others. Adams was able to persuade Washington into taking on the task and lead us to freedom.

8. Even though he was the second president, Adams was the first president to live in the White House.

After he was elected, John and Abigail moved from Philadelphia to the new capital of Washington D.C. The White House was still not completely finished though, so the couple resided in a hotel until it was completed. After it was completed, the Adams moved in. They were able to stay for four months before Adams was defeated by Jefferson.

9. Adams founded one of the top science societies in our nation.

While writing the Massachusetts State Constitution, Adams wrote a section on the importance of arts and science. Within this section Adams proposed the establishment of the American Academy for Arts and Sciences, which still exists today. Adams thought this to be one of his proudest achievements.

10. Despite growing tensions with France, Adams never wanted to go to war with the country.

During his presidency, Adams dealt with the difficulty of having tensions with the country's former ally. Instead of going to war, Adams worked through negotiations of a peace deal.

11. He was a true public servant.

Besides serving as the second president, Adams served as the first vice president, diplomat to France and England, and a key leader to the Revolution. He spent much of his married life apart from Abigail and his family. Adams gave his life to the cause of freedom and liberty.

12. Adams valued education.

After graduating from Harvard, Adams never stopped learning. He was always reading to learn new things to help in his life. He stressed how important education was to his children and made sure they had the best possible. Adams also thought it was important that Abigail to play a role in assisting his household staff with their education.

13. Adams honored his old friend Jefferson.

After both of their presidencies, Adams and Jefferson communicated once again through letters. The two remained friends until their deaths. On the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, both Adams and Jefferson passed away. Jefferson passed away at his home, Monticello, in Virginia. A few hours later Adams passed away surrounded by his youngest children. His final words were, "Thomas Jefferson still survives," unaware his friend was already gone. Even though Adams was the first to sign on that day 50 years earlier, he was the last to pass away.

John Adams made many accomplishments in his 91 years of life. I appreciate of these accomplishments and truly believe he was one of the best people to have served our country.