Tip: Remember that freedom is never free!
Yesterday was Independence Day here in the United States. It is the day that we celebrate the birthday of America and what we affectionately refer to as the 4th of July.
Though none of us were around to experience those early years of our country, there have been many books written to recount the proceedings that took place and capture information from documents and letters that were circulated during that time. The events that led to our independence happened over 200 years ago, but they are still touching our lives to this very day!
We may have a tendency to think that the founders of our country had it pretty easy – that they were all outstanding individuals who had wealth, possessions, power and prestige. After all, in the early days of our country, things were much smaller and under better control. The government was able to be run more efficiently because it was in the hands of people who were highly committed to the success of this new endeavor called America.
But, not too long ago, I received an email asking an intriguing question: Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? What follows is the email I received. I thought you might be as interested to know the answer as I was.
~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.
~They signed and pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
~What kind of men were they?
~Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
~Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
~Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
~Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
~Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Ellery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Rutledge, and Middleton.
~At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
~Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
~John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
~So, take a few minutes and silently thank these patriots. It’s not much to ask for the price they paid.
~Remember: freedom is never free!
~It’s time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games.
It was good to be reminded that the life I now enjoy came at an expensive price that someone else paid.
I believe that we may face more difficult times ahead as a nation and I do not know if we will be called upon to give “our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” However, I do think that we should be prepared to do so if it is required. I am not certain what that would look like, but I do know that if we are going to continue living in a free society, it may cost us something. I hope I am willing to pay that price for freedom, if it should ever come to that. Although it is not something we need to dwell on every day, I do believe it is something we should consider, especially this time of year.
I hope that you are grateful for your freedom. I sure know I am for mine!
Tip: Remember that freedom is never free!
Have a great week! God bless you!
Robert A. Rohm Ph.D.
Personality Insights, Inc.
Usage Policy:
You may reprint this “Tip of the Week” in your own hard copy print or electronic newsletter under the following conditions:
1) You must notify Personality Insights via email at info@personalityinsights.com
2) The following paragraph must be included immediately after the Tip of the Week text and must be clearly visible:
Reprinted with permission from the “Tip of the Week”. To subscribe for the free “Tip of the Week” please go to http://www.personalityinsights.com and receive Dr. Rohm’s weekly Tip every Monday morning.
You have a great Blog here Mate. Love your content very informative, Please keep up the good work.