|
|
|
|
Grateful Greetings, July 4, 1976
During this 200th anniversary, we can profit by remembering the price our forefathers were willing to pay to establish this land that has provided opportunity for so many.
When the 56 men stepped up and signed the Declaration of Independence, each knew he had far more to lose than to gain except where his principles, honor and freedom were involved. A life of
affluence, ease and culture was theirs if they did not rock the boat. Each understood that signing this document was treasonous in the eyes of the British government; the penalty, death by hanging. They chose, however, to sign for us and pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.
The price: nine died of wounds or hardship. Five suffered brutal treatment in prison. Many lost wives, sons and family-one lost thirteen children. Twelve had their homes burned. Seventeen lost all they owned. All were victims of manhunts and driven from their homes.
Our Founding Fathers believed devoutly that there was a God and that the unalienable rights of man were rooted-not in the state, nor the legislature, nor in any other human power-but in God alone. Eternal vigilance and personal responsibility are still the price of human liberty.
The next 200 years start today. The future will be what we do with the present.
|
|
