56 Reasons to Celebrate Freedom …
In the face of mounting pressure from within and compelled by the reported news of a fleet of British troops forming just off the coast of New York ready to invade at a moment’s notice, the 56 congressional delegates, appointed by their fellow citizens of each colony, mustered the courage to sign and officially adopt the Declaration of Independence into law on July 4, 1776, declaring, "For the support of this declaration, with the firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
With these words, the fight for freedom and liberation was on and in motion, marked by fierce battles, amazing stories of valor and bravery, and, sadly, tragic accounts of unfortunate losses and frustrating setbacks—all of which paved the way to the freedom that we enjoy today.
These 56 men bravely lit the fire of revolution with a pen, fully understanding the implications and repercussions that would follow as a result of their willful act of defiance. They knew full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. The two youngest signers—Thomas Lynch Jr. and Edward Rutledge—both just 26 years old, hailed from the great state of South Carolina.
By most historical accounts, the vast majority of the delegates paid a heavy personal price to honor the collective pledge made that day. Five of the signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary War and another had two sons captured. Twelve signers had their homes ransacked, burned and destroyed; and nine died from wounds suffered during the Revolutionary War.
Wealthy Virginia planter and trader Carter Braxton, also a signer, saw his ships swept aIn honor of them,way, compliments of the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, dying in rags of poverty. Signer Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to constantly move his family. He faithfully served in Congress without pay, with his family kept in hiding. Falling into poverty, his possessions were taken away.
British General Charles Cornwallis took over the home of signer Thomas Nelson, using it for his headquarters at the battle of Yorktown. Nelson urged General George Washington to open fire and destroy the home, which Washington did. Sadly, Nelson died bankrupt. Signer Francis Lewis had his home destroyed as well. His wife was jailed by the enemy, suffering and dying within just a few months.
The accounts go on and on, but I think the point has been well made and is very clear. Freedom has never been “free.” The liberties that we enjoy, and often undervalue, have been bought with the most precious of commodities—the very lives of men and women that chose to refrain from selfish pursuits to serve a much larger cause and greater vision—the preservation of a nation.
Enjoy and celebrate the Fourth of July passionately but responsibly, keeping healthy food choices in mind; however, pause to remember the 56 very good reasons why. Also pause to honor the many thousands that serve and have served, paying the debt of freedom on our behalf!
