United We Stand

This wasn’t just another summer morning. . .. As people awakened in the city, they were greeted with a sky painted a light blue. Accompanying this was the air touched by a slight whisper of a northerly wind. By 9:00 am, the temperature was a pleasantly mild 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This was a minor prelude to what the day had in store.

Stirring throughout the streets were men sauntering in one direction as if drawn by some unseen force. The men, a number in the summer of their lives whereas others in early winter, traversed in small groups or individually toward a central building. Their destination was the Pennsylvania State House (renamed Independence Hall). The date was July 4, 1776.

It was here where they gathered. These 56 men were entrusted by their peers to act as their representatives to the Continental Congress. Their primary purpose was to create a document, the Declaration of Independence. Prior to the meeting, a committee was formed to draft this document. These committee members were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Smith. This document proclaimed a complete break between Great Britain and King George III, and claimed their authority to form a new, independent country. It further guarantees that people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The British Crown considered this an act of treason, and unleashed on all who signed this document the penalty of death.

The cost for the 56 who signed the Declaration of Independence was as follows:

1. The British captured five of the original signers. As traitors, they were tortured, then killed.
2. The war took its toll on two other members as they lost sons.
3. Another two of the delegates had sons captured.
4. Another twelve had their homes looted and burned.
5. During the Revolutionary War, yet another twelve were killed or died from hardship suffered in the war.

A total of 33 of the 56 suffered significant loss of life and homes, scars of physical and emotional imprisonment, and financial devastation.

Imagine living under a monarchy where personal freedoms are greatly subdued. Imagine creating a new concept of freedom and independence. Imagine planning and organizing, writing, and signing a document emulating this concept. Imagine that as part of a group, realizing that with this act, the full weight of the British Empire will be brought down against you and your fellow compatriots.

The courage, commitment, and devotion among each of the 56 delegates shine as an example to all of us. They ignited in the souls of men the desire and thirst for freedom and laid the foundation for a new country.

It wasn’t just another summer morning. . ..