Sign Here: The Declaration of Independence

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. (The Declaration of Independence). 

As an American and a history-lover, I encourage you to take a quiet moment today–before the fireworks begin (again)–and consider why we’re celebrating.

Consider the men who gathered in Philadelphia in July, 1776. What were they thinking? Feeling? Was it just a political stroke of a pen, or did they realize they were changing the history of the world? They must have known they were calling down war upon themselves and their families. Did anyone fear that placing his name on the document was akin to fixing a target on his chest?

Last year, I had the privilege of standing in Independence Hall with my daughter and her middle school class. Looking over the seats as the sunlight streamed in the windows, I suddenly got a sense of the enormity of what had occurred in this place.

We call these men forefathers and heroes, as if they were imbued with supernatural strength and courage. In reality, they were ordinary men who dreamed of a better future.

As I surveyed the room, I remember thinking, if I’d been in their shoes–would I have voted to declare independence? Or would I have tried to smooth things over with the motherland? In general, I dislike conflict. Would I have voted to wait? To bow down to tyranny? Some of the men in the room did. Even one of the members of the writing committee, Robert Livingstone, felt it was “too early” and refused to sign the finished product. On the other hand, legend holds that John Hancock signed his name extra-big so that the king could read it without spectacles.

It’s difficult for me to imagine the choice. I’d like to think I’d have signed, but I also know my fearful heart.

Does anyone else ask themselves these questions?

The Declaration of Independence is an incredible document. Most Americans recognize the sound-byte version I included at the top of this post. Have you ever read through the entire letter? Or listened to it read aloud?

It’s a lengthy read, but it could have been even more extensive. ConstitutionFacts.com writes this about Jefferson’s original draft:

After Jefferson wrote his first draft of the Declaration, the other members of the Declaration committee and the Continental Congress made 86 changes to Jefferson’s draft, including shortening the overall length by more than a fourth.

Evidently, even Thomas Jefferson needed an editor. He was unhappy with many of the changes–particularly when Congress removed language condemning the British promotion of the slave trade. You might remember from history class that Jefferson was a slave owner, himself. That’s an interesting contradiction, isn’t it? Even this revered figure was an regular person burdened with inner conflicts.

So, enjoy your holiday. But consider the men and the decisions they made–ordinary folks, just like us.

And I hope you’ll spend ten minutes and listen to this beautiful narration of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy!

 

Happy Reading!