Signers of the Declaration

Have you ever wondered what kind of people signed the Declaration of Independence or what happened to them?  This important document was signed by 56 men who were soft-spoken, wealthy, and educated.  However, by signing their names to the document they put their lives and the lives of their families in jeopardy.  Having their names on that manuscript meant that they valued liberty more than their own safety. Some of these men were soldiers in the war and died from the wounds they sustained. Some were captured and tortured, and others had their homes ransacked and burned. A few were driven from their homes and lived in forests and caves and some family members were dispersed and never found again. 

These men agreed to the following statement: “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.”  Together they had a firm trust that the hand of God would rest on them despite anything that may happen to them.  They were confident that physical and spiritual freedom was of great value – “If the Son [of God] sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).  And they were assured that they needed a firm trust in God – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

These men knew that the document they signed would have a lasting impact on all Americans for years to come.  As a result of their bravery, today you and I have much for which to be thankful to God.  We should be grateful for the forefathers of our country who put their lives on the line when they took quill in hand and signed their name on this document.  And we should give thanks to God for the unlimited blessings he has provided for us in this great country of ours.