The Signers of the Declaration of Independence

I sincerely and humbly hope you enjoy your visit, and gain and/or
recall some insight about the fifty-six men who risk all they had that we can enjoy a day we celebrate as "Independence Day"!

It began here on July 4, 1776, when the fifty-six members of the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence

And America celebrates July 4th as Independence Day.

Spontaneous Celebrations

Following its adoption, the Declaration was read to the public in various American cities.

In 1777, Philadelphians remembered the 4th of July. Bells were rung, guns fired, candles lighted, and firecrackers set off.

When the war ended in 1783, July 4 became a holiday in some places.

In 1941, Congress declared July 4th a federal holiday.

John Adams Urged Recognition

The second president, John Adams, would have approved. "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival," he wrote his wife, Abigail. "It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."

All 56 men who ultimately signed the Declaration showed great courage. Announcing Independence from Great Britain was an act of treason, punishable by death.

The Declaration of Independence itself has become one of the most admired and copied political documents of all time. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and revised by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.

Begun during the American Revolution, it has been America's most important patriotic holiday ever since.

"On July 4, our nation celebrates Independence Day -- when, 233 years
ago, 56 Patriots signed their names to the Declaration of Independence,
pledging "to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. With the signing of the Declaration, they conceived a nation whose people would enjoy the blessings of liberty."
LtCol Oliver L. North, USMC (Ret.)

Glenn Beck asks a favor this Independence Day!
"But in thinking back on the meaning behind this day, we must never forget that our nation was baptized in the blaze of a very different kind of "fireworks." Yes, this is a day of rest and relaxation, as well it should be, but this year…I'd like to ask you a favor. At some point during the day, I hope you'll take time to think and reflect on what it is we're truly celebrating on the 4th of July -- our Independence Day. Of course the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776 but it's so much more than that. On this day, 233 short years ago, a small group of men dedicated themselves to a higher purpose, an ideal they believed in so greatly, they signed their name to its expression and in doing so put their very lives at risk. Never has a simple act of signing one's name carried such weight, such a profound commitment. By signing the Declaration of Independence, 56 men stood in direct defiance of the
British government. They became marked men, and willingly so. As I was doing some research on the significance of July 4th, I came across some interesting facts about these men. Today as we all enjoy the freedom our forefathers guaranteed us, join me in honoring the extraordinary sacrifice of 56 extraordinary Americans. Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence: Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes burned to the ground. Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, and two more had sons captured. Nine fought and died in the Revolutionary War.

If you ever feel like your lone voice can never be heard, that the political system isn't set up for "regular" Americans to change the course of history, remember: The signers were flesh and blood, mortal men with a divinely-inspired aim. Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven
were merchants, and nine were farmers and large plantation owners. (my count: Lawyers 24, Judges 6, Merchants 10, Farmers and large plantation owners 6, a leading author-printer-scientist-inventor 1, Physician 4, Iron master 1, Clergy 2, Soldier 2)
They were well educated, smart enough to know that by signing the
Declaration of Independence, they were signing their own death warrants. They did it anyway, and God bless them for it. As we enjoy our liberty on this 4th of July, or any day of any month, we must never take that liberty for granted. Too many have given too much. In the words of the Signers themselves, "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." Their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor -- I think that's a price paid worth a few minutes of reflection, don't you? But let's not be solemn in that reflection. I say rejoice and share this information with your friends and family, especially your
kids. The Signers asked for nothing in return for their pledge, but I say that we show our thanks with a pledge of our own: To remember, to be grateful, and to carry on in their spirit. America is the greatest country this world has ever and will ever know, and it will stay that way so long as "we the people" remember that just like in 1776. It's US that surrounds them, and we'll never back down. Happy Independence
Day, and God bless America." Glenn Beck (above quoted from his July 3rd email)
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/radio/

Landmarks of Washington, D.C.
http://fun.familyeducation.com/slideshow/monuments/61486.html

You can review the bio's of each of these men by clicking on their names. BUT remember to 'click' the 'Back' button or tab each time to continue.

It breaks my heart that current members of all three branches of our government do not have the same substance and character, respect, devotion, loyalty, pride, and love for America and its Constitution, and us ---- 'We the People''.

Yes, that's change - a change that has been growing broader year after year. If it continues a divide will be created that destroys the very fiber upon which our nation was founded, and our great Republic will crumble just like the Roman Empire and others before us. It's the direct opposite of the progress that so many have fought, been wounded and died for.... and still do. What gross disrespect towards each of them, their families, and the over 43,000,000 who have served to defend and protect the USA and its Constitution, and the freedoms and liberty some of us have known for a while.

Do I trust these current people? NO! Have they earned it? Absolutely not! Year after year, they are a greater disappointment and failure than the years before. Well, that's politics - a game that politicians play against one another to gain power and get re-elected again. Yes, again -- to do more of the same old foolish things ... that do not work, but drain the life's blood out of all of our resources -- both natural and human.

It's taking place, happening on our watch! Are we going to allow it? Or will we be like the 56 men of 1776? The choice is ours - the future of our nation depends on US .... and what we are made of?

This Blog will remain as long as I am able. Hopefully for the sake of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchilldren .. that they may know and come to appreciate the full truth of the American experience and history that so many paid a great price for. Will you help by sharing it, and hopefully preserving it?

Special Note:

My artist-sculpturer-history-buff friend ValleyForge1777 and I will
highlight a colony-state and their Signers of the Declaration of Independence every two weeks. Our effort is intended to present the truth and grandeur of this period of our history, which is missing and/or has been removed from the history books currently in use in our public schools, so that more Americans can have a broader understanding and awareness of the accomplishments and contributions of our forefathers, and these fifty-six men of honor. At a bi-weekly rate, we can cover the thirteen colonies in twenty-six weeks. We will attempt to make it interesting and fun for you and ourselves. And we hope you will join us.

Delaware

• George Read 1733-1798