In the year 1776, there were approximately 2.5 million people in the United States of America. On July 4, 1776 these people witnessed one of the most memorable and historic days in American history. The Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, thus giving freedom to thirteen colonies and setting them on a path to becoming a sovereign nation.
The Fourth of July, also known as
Independence Day, has since become a federal holiday. Fifty-six men signed a document that would
change history. Twenty-four men were lawyers and jurists. Eleven of the men were
merchants; nine were farmers and large plantation owners. They were men of some
sort of wealth and well educated. They all knew that if they were captured by
the British, they would probably be tortured before being put to death. They
still signed.
Some of the men who signed included;
John Hancock, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Five of the signers were
captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they actually died.
Twelve of the men had their homes ransacked and burned. Two of them lost their
sons in the ‘Revolutionary Army’ and another had two sons captured. Nine of the
fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships resulting
from the ‘Revolutionary War’.
These were men of honor and pride who
sacrificed so very much for the freedom for their fellow man. They had strong
beliefs and yearned for freedom.
July the Fourth is now a day for
barbecues, fireworks and family gatherings. We fly our Flags with pride. Let us
also remember why we celebrate on this wonderful day each and every year. May
FREEDOM reign forever.
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