The Price the Founders Paid

On July 4, 1776, fifty-six delegates to the Second Continental Congress voted unanimously to approve the wording of the Declaration of Independence, which boldly stated,
　　
"…these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown…"
　　
The fifty-six men who signed the Declaration knew that they would be considered traitors to the crown and would likely become targets of the British army. They also knew they could become targets of their own neighbors, as not everyone in the colonies agreed there should be separation from the Empire.　　
Here are a few details, based on historical evidence, about some of those brave men…

• Richard Stockton is believed to have been the only signer imprisoned by the British specifically for signing the Declaration of Independence.　
• Four others were captured during the Revolutionary War while engaged in warfare against the crown and were held as prisoners.
• Seventeen held commissions in the army or did medical duty during the war. Many saw their properties and livelihoods destroyed while serving.
• Two would become President of the United States: 　John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

These were committed patriots who firmly believed that their cause was just and right. They unequivocally said as much in the Declaration’s opening statements…

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

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Classmates, today we celebrate our nation’s birthday. I hope you will remember the bravery and sacrifices of the Founders. We should also pay tribute to all Americans who have paid, or are paying, a price for our freedom.