Fishing on the Net

By Bonnie Nelson

Independence Day?

You know, we do live in a great country. Even though we have our hard times, our high gas prices, rising costs in just about everything, we still live in a great country. But remember, that with all our ìwealthî comes responsibility.

Our Declaration of Independence was written by those who believed that all men should be treated equally. Not wanting to be ruled by England, the American patriots rose up and claimed their Independence.

Many of us can recite these words: (http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html).

"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. That whenever 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, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

It was a struggle in those days to write those words. They were debated and fought over. The 56 men who attended the United States Constitutional Convention represented a cross section of 18th century American leadership. Most of them were well-educated men of means who were leaders in their communities and colonies. They were also prominent in national affairs. Virtually every one had taken part in the Revolution and at least 29 had served in the Continental Army. The first, largest, and most famous signature is that of John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. The youngest signer was Edward Rutledge (age 26). Benjamin Franklin (age 70) was the oldest. Two future presidents signed: John Adams (second President) and Thomas Jefferson (third President). But as a result of the signing some died for their beliefs (http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/).

* Five signers were captured by the British as traitors,and tortured before they died.
* Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
* Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
* Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
* Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
* Eleven were merchants
* Nine were farmers and large plantation owners. Our freedoms and rights as Americans have been preserved by many wars and disputes. We have lost many to keep this land free. As you spend time with your families this holiday weekend take a little time to remember what it takes for our nation to remain free.

Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have any comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net

CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET

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