An interesting 4th of July read.....

[Toadman]

An interesting read but bear with us on this thread, International Sysopt'ers:

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

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 they 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 McKeam 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.

Soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton,Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr, noted that 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. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.

Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates. Such were the stories and
sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild-eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: “For the support of this declaration, with firm
reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to
each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never
tell you a lot about what happened in the Revolutionary War nor the repercussions of this Declaration on the founders. We didn’t fight just the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government. Some of us take these liberties so much for granted. So, take a few minutes while enjoying Independence Day and silently thank these patriots. It’s not much to ask for the price they paid.

[narayan]

Thanks, Toadman. I was unaware of the fates of these proud men. Kinda makes me think. HAPPY INDEPENCANCE DAY

[OuTpaTienT]

It's because of these men, and many more just like them, that we live in a free country with such a wide range of views and beliefs amongst it's people. And although this disparity of opinions often trigger heated and passionate debates, there are certain times and occasions that just demand we take a step back from our egos, and ignore our differences. Now is such a time. A time to celebrate our commonalities, our history, our heritage.

We should not just be proud of our country but more so of the the men who founded this country. Proud of their vision and wisdom. Proud of their commitment to their beliefs. And most certainly proud of their honor.

Independence Day is to celebrate our liberty from tyranny. But it should also be a day of remembrance, reverence, and recognition of the brave men that are the mortar in the foundation of our great land. For indeed we owe them more than we could ever give. We owe them more than a day of memory, more than a speech touting their noble deeds. No, what we owe them, my fellow countrymen, is the promise that we will never allow their sacrifices to have been in vain. We must always cherish the freedom they handed down to us, the freedom they thought all humanity deserved. We are lucky to have it.

In the past we have fought forces that would take these freedoms away from us given the chance. In the future I don't believe our enemies are going to be so easily identifiable. But if they intend to take away our freedom, I intend to battle them to the very end. I believe that is what we owe our forefathers.

- - - - -

Thank you to Toadman for sharing such an important message.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day all of you. -OuTpaTienT


[This message has been edited by OuTpaTienT (edited 06-30-2000).]

[Toadman]

Sorry 'bout that SUV thread. It's an emotional issue lately.

/me pats Outpatient on the back.
Happy 4th everyone!

Who's got Roman Candles for sale, anyways?

[This message has been edited by Toadman (edited 06-30-2000).]

[U-96]

hehe I've seen that info on a dozen different BBSs in the last week... if I didn't know better, I'd say it was an advertisment for the latest Mel Gibson movie

Happy 4th July. Congratulations on throwing off the shackles of British imperialism to create your very own corrupt and self-serving government... (before anyone flames me, to dispute this point would be to endorse the Clinton administration. heh. Catch22)

But really, have a nice holiday

U-96

[narayan]

Well put, OuTpaTienT. We owe them the very freedom that we enjoy, and sometimes take for granted.

[BFlurie]

Well, whether or not it's all over other BBSs doesn't detract from it's significance. And for the past 100 years the USA & Great Britian are as close allies as any two countries have ever been.

[This message has been edited by BFlurie (edited 06-30-2000).]

[Ed_S]

Ya know, reading that makes me proud of our heritage, but also ashamed of our present.
I mean, when you compare today's "leaders" to those men the current jerks just don't cut it.
Can anyone name a politician or gov. leader who would ACTUALLY make a personal sacrifice for the good of the country and NOT expect (or demand) compensation???

[alondra]

when the Britts see what we have done to the nation , the govt. the society, we have, wonder if they are glad they lost the war.
far cry from what those brave men invisioned.

[wtp]

happy independence..and oh yea... the american independece DID NOT REALLY take place on july 4th.... but.. i would of known that u guyz knew that already..

wtp

[barry glisson]

Ed s i've been thinking for about an hour still havent come up with one maby Jimmy Carter. barry

[narayan]

Hey Ed, Ronald Reagan.

[OuTpaTienT]

Although a Libertarian (that often votes Republican) I must say I agree that Jimmy Carter is a good and honorable man.

[U-96]

From a British point of view, FDR gets my vote.

You guys were lucky, it's a lot harder for us to throw off corrupt imperialistic British rule!

U-96

[OuTpaTienT]

it's a lot harder for us to throw off corrupt imperialistic British rule!

You'll do it one day. Keep your chin up.