On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, assembled in Philadelphia, adopted the Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America. The resolution to declare independence from Great Britain had been adopted, after almost a month of fierce debate, only two days prior, and it had fallen to a committe of five representatives (Thomas Jefferson, who did most of the writing, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston) to draft a formal declaration.
Jefferson's eloquent words have stirred feelings of patriotism ever since, not only in the hearts of Americans, but in all freedom-loving peoples. It should be noted that as they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors, they realized what their bold action could very well mean. Though their honor is forever secure, many did indeed lose their fortunes, and some their lives, or the lives of their loved ones. Below is a link to an article, provided by Dr. Murphy Smith, of Texas A&M University, paying homage to those whose signature was to cost them so much.
The Costs of Liberty
To those fifty-six, and to all the men and women who have sacrificed for the liberty of this country, I offer the tribute of a citizen's grateful heart. Happy Independence Day!
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Hi Rob. Happy Independence Day! Nice post.
I too have been pondering the sacrifice our forefathers made for their stand on the words of the Declaration. It may be easy for us to eulogize their devotion and sacrifice, but it will be very difficult to realize exactly all that that truth entails.
Have you ever read the Narrative of Joseph Plum Martin? He was a soldier in the Continental Army (not the militia; General Washington's full-time Continentals) throughout the entire duration of the War -- from the Declaration to the Treaty of Paris. It is astounding. It is also sad that too many Americans are not familiar with this fabulous work, and not familiar with the sacrifice they made.
How much we take for granted! So many times we see pictures like "The Spirit of '76," and we think that the fervency of the Revolution, the spirit of liberty, self-reliance, virtue, and responsibility were just for those people back then. We think of ourselves as being more sophisticated and advanced, and that now we can afford to have the government do things for us, and we don't need to be as devoted to the cause of liberty today.
We need to understand that liberty is not fought for and won at one time. Jefferson once said that "eternal vigilance is the cost of liberty." We need to continue to guard the liberty for which our forefathers shed their blood.
On days like these, there is no greater time to remember that. There is also no greater time to remember how much God has blessed us, so that we do not have to pay such a heavy price generation after generation to enjoy our freedom.
Nice to see you posting again!
~Hercules
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