The 4th of July fireworks were the backdrop for a gathering with a group of friends. Our host, a first-generation American, held his yearly tradition of a joint reading aloud of the Declaration of Independence, taking us back to the birth of our nation.
With each word, we could feel the risks the 56 signers had taken, as they rebelled against the world’s then mightiest empire.
Failure meant death, or, at best, poverty and imprisonment. They didn’t exaggerate with the document's final words, “... we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
These weren’t reckless men with nothing to lose. They were among the most renowned figures in the colonies, well-educated, successful in their professions, and influential in their communities. They led comfortable lives, yet they risked it all for a greater cause.
Despite America’s ultimate victory, they paid a high price.
Many had their homes brutally ransacked and burned by the British. Others lost their sons, either killed or captured. Abraham Clark’s sons, for example, were subjected to the harsh conditions on the prison ship Jersey, infamous for its unbearable squalor and rampant disease.
Francis Lewis lost his home, properties, and wife, who died soon after being imprisoned and mistreated by the British. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., directed artillery fire at his own home, knowing it was being used as General Cornwallis's headquarters
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching story is that of John Hart. His home was looted, his wife died during his time in hiding, and his thirteen children were forced to scatter. When he eventually returned, his property was ruined, his family dispersed, and his health soon declined, leading to his death in 1779.
Many never recovered from their financial losses.
Individually, the brave architects of the Declaration of Independence achieved great things. Two became U.S. presidents, 14 served as Senators, 7 as Representatives, and 6 as governors. They founded universities, made strides in science, law, diplomacy, and commerce.
Together, their achievements were revolutionary. They founded a nation based on radical ideals, a nation “of the people, by the people, for the people” which promised to protect its citizen’s unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
They lit a beacon of justice and strength the world has never seen. That still holds true to this day, and we’re now the stewards of that flame.
— Ken
Men of integrity that loved the idea of our America. God bless America from sea to shiny sea. Pour thy grace on thee.
Beautifully put! Happy birthday, USA.