Declaration of Independence | The Fearless Men on 4th of July 1776

Remembering The Declaration of Independence and the Fearless Men who made our Independence happen.

Statue of Liberty FireworksWith the barbeques, fireworks and other festivities it is easy to forget why we celebrate Independence Day. Here at Fearless Men we believe it’s important to remember where our freedoms came from and honor the sacrifices made then and now. Sacrifices initiated with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Not to dampen the festivities because celebrating is a proper response in light of all we have been given. But lets take a moment and remember.

It took courage and Fearless Men to sign the Declaration of Independence and start the Revolutionary War. Many of them lost all they had in belief and pursuit of a greater cause. At that time, signing that document meant treason punishable by death.

I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country”.

~Nathan Hale right before being hung for treason at 21 years of age.

Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that if “any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute New Government”. This means that the people’s rights come first and the government should uphold those rights, not destroy them. The Declaration of Independence goes on to list the violations Great Britain committed against the 13 American Colonies and its people (Colonials). The Revolutionary War officially started, was won and our Republic was formed.

Francis Scott Key said this after receiving praise for writing The Star Spangled Banner, “Let the praise, then, if any be due, be given, not to me, who only did what I could not help doing, not to the writer, but to the inspirers of the song!”.

Here are a few fun facts we thought we’d highlight because of their importance in our nation’s history.

  • 56 Delegates Signed the Declaration of Independence
  • At the time of signing the 13 American Colonies and Great Britain had already been fighting for about 1 year.
  • The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin Patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’
  • The stars on the original American flag were in a circle so all the Colonies would appear equal.
  • May 1776 is the date reported that Betsy Ross sewed the first American Flag.
  • The first official Fourth of July party was held at the White House in 1801.
  • The Fourth of July was not declared a national holiday until 1941 by Congress. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

    July 4th, 1941

  • Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826 within hours of each other.
  • 2.5 millionIn July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.[i]
  • 313.9 millionThe nation’s estimated population on this July Fourth (2012).[i]
  • Thomas Jefferson was the principle author of the Declaration of Independence. View the declaring of independence Chronological Events here.
  • During the war four signers were captured by the British: George Walton, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Arthur Middleton, and Edward Rutledge while fighting. They were treated harshly but all four were eventually released.

“I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.”

 [i] Source: Population clock

Click here to view archives of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America

Comments

  1. What a great reminder! Our generation has a bad case of entitlement but it’s vital to remember the sacrifice and heroism that enabled our freedom.

    • Thanks Jewel! When not in site it’s easy to forget. Before my time in the Army I certainly didn’t appreciate my freedoms like I should have.

  2. That’s an awesome post John. This is truly a day to remember. Let us not forget that saving and maintaining our liberties is not just limited to heroic deeds in war, but also to vigilance in peace.

    We must watch our politicians carefully and make sure that they do not destroy the liberties that so many paid the ultimate sacrificed for us to have.

  3. Nice post! 🙂

  4. People need to be reminded of why this country is so great and how it became this way. Great post John.

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