The Declaration of Independence was approved this day, July 4, 1776.
John Hancock, the first to sign, said: “the price on my head has just doubled.”
Benjamin Franklin signed saying “We must hang together or most assuredly we shall hang separately.”
Of the fifty-six signers: 17 lost their fortunes, 12 had their homes destroyed, 9 fought and died, 5 were arrested as traitors, and 2 lost sons in the War.
As Samuel Adams signed, he said: “We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come.”
They pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Of the three, the signers and the women of the revolution held honor as the most valuable. Despite their many flaws, Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin and the rest did their utmost to live honorable public lives in service to their country.
There are many today who are perhaps the intellecutal equal of that intrepid group, certainly many who have more in the terms of fortune, where are those with honor?