In 1776, in Philadelphia, fifty-six men came forward to collectively sign a piece of parchment known as the Declaration of Independence. These courageous men were moved by their convictions that people had the right to live in freedom and liberty. They knew that signing the document was an act of high treason against the Crown, punishable by death. “We must all hang together, “Benjamin Franklin said, “or assuredly, we will hang separately.” John Hancock signed his name so large because he wanted King George to see it without his spectacles.
The portrait of courage in which the Signers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honors, even in the face of death and imprisonment, was remarkable and would be repeated throughout American History. Their convictions were based upon a universal claim protecting human dignity. They believed that every man, woman, and child had a right to a future where they could live freely. They were brave men and remained steadfast through the coming revolution’s bloodshed.
From that tiny room, the beginning of an idea took root: the idea that a nation of people can be united under the banner of pursuing life, liberty, and happiness. The desire to live in freedom and to form a government subservient to human freedom is the highest political aspiration a group of people can have.
History has shown that the successors of the ideal were just as brave, putting their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor on the line here and abroad. Some returned to live in the freedom they fought for, some returned mangled, and some never came home. Those men and women fought for their families and each of us because the cause of freedom has never been free. This has made America the nation never seen before in human history and the envy of the world.
Unfortunately, the cause of freedom is constantly under assault, and the present climate in the nation involves fighting for freedom not necessarily from an outside adversary but internally. Half the country is a staunch supporter of the inalienable rights given by God, while the other half sees no problem with having citizens’ rights trampled by a powerful government.
Democracy can be messy, and it accepts those who openly and blatantly use their gift of freedom to oppress another. This is why freedom must always be defended. Our history has shown that patriots in each generation have risen to answer the call. Today, there are still men and women devoted to the proposition of liberty and truth, and with God’s help, there will be more.
My country, ‘tis of thee,
Sweet land of Liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where fathers died,
Land of Pilgrim’s’ Pride,
From every mountainside
Let freedom ring.