THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Signing America's Birth Document

On this day 247 years ago, a very important event in American history happened.

Tensions between Great Britain and her colonies had been mounting continuously for over 10 years. Despite many petitions from the Americans, the king of England continued his 

tyrannical acts. Finally, the Colonists concluded that a peaceful resolution was not possible.

On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence which declared separation from England. Fifty-six brave men signed that document, many doing so on August 2, 1776.

The Declaration's final line announced that the signers had personally pledged “our 

lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." By putting his name on this document, each knew he risked death if captured since they were considered traitors by the English. However, none of the signers balked at standing for the freedoms outlined in the Declaration.

In one exchange between 2 of the 56 signers, John Hancock stated, “We must be unanimous. There must be no pulling different ways; we must all hang together.” Benjamin Franklin reportedly agreed, “Yes, we must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately!” 

Benjamin Rush recounted a moment of humor during the signing:

Do you recollect the pensive and awful silence which pervaded the house when we were called up...to subscribe what was believed by many at that time to be our own death warrants?... Colonel Harrison of Virginia [a large man], who said to Mr. Gerry [a small man] at the table: “I shall have a great advantage over you, Mr. Gerry, when we are all hung for what we are now doing. From the size and weight of my body I shall die in a few minutes, but from the lightness of your body you will dance in the air an hour or two before you are dead!” The speech procured a transient smile, but it was soon succeeded by the solemnity with which the whole business was conducted.

These Founders faced the genuine possibility of losing everything, and many did suffer. For example: Francis Lewis' wife died after harsh treatment while imprisoned by the British; John Witherspoon lost a son during the War; Richard Stockton was captured and the abuse he suffered cut his life short; and John Hart was driven from the bedside of his ailing wife whom he never saw again.

Today, on this anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, take some time to study these courageous men. And let's all stand for the freedoms they risked their very lives to protect!

Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it. (John Adams)

Presenting America’s forgotten history and heroes

with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage.