THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Signing America's Birth Document

Though unrecognized today, this day 248 years ago, was actually a momentous day in American history.

Tensions between Great Britain and her colonies had been mounting continuously for over 10 years through events and legislative actions such as the Stamp Act (1765), the Boston Massacre (1770), the Boston Tea Party (1773), and the Coercive Acts (1774).

On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence which declared separation from England. Fifty-six brave men would sign that document, most of whom did so on August 2, 1776.

The Declaration's final line announced that the signers had personally pledged “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." By signing this document, each knew he risked death if captured by the English. They willingly stood for the freedoms the Declaration outlined.

Benjamin Rush recounted a moment of humor during the signing of the Declaration:

Do you recollect the pensive and awful silence which pervaded the house when we [subscribed] what was believed by many at that time to be our own death warrants?...Colonel Harrison of Virginia [a large man], said to Mr. Gerry [a small man] at the table: “I shall have a great advantage over you, Mr. Gerry, when we are all hung for what we are now doing. From the size and weight of my body I shall die in a few minutes, but from the lightness of your body you will dance in the air an hour or two before you are dead!” The speech procured a transient smile, but it was soon succeeded by the solemnity with which the whole business was conducted.

These Founders faced a genuine likelihood of losing everything, and many did suffer. For example: Francis Lewis' wife died after harsh treatment while imprisoned by the British; John Witherspoon lost a son during the War; Richard Stockton was captured and the abuse he suffered cut his life short; and John Hart was driven from the bedside of his ailing wife whom he never saw again. (These are just a few examples. You can find out more about the sacrifices made by the Declaration signers throughout the War for Independence here.)

Today, on this anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, take some time to study these courageous men, and help guard the freedoms they risked their very lives to protect! 

Presenting America’s forgotten history and heroes

with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage.