Fifty-six who risked it all for freedom

7/7/2003 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- This is a story about 56 very brave Americans who risked everything on a dream. These were ordinary men with an extraordinary vision. They were lawyers, merchants, doctors, plantation and landowners, ministers, a scientist, a teacher, a musician and a printer. They ranged in age from 26 to 70 years old.

These courageous men were as different in personality and family history as you and I, but they were bound by a commonality, a common purpose, which would forever change the face of the world.

All 56 were members of the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia June 7, 1776. This collection of men, driven by years of oppressive British rule, made a bold commitment for independence. Before a three-week recess, the Congress established a "Committee of Five" to draft a statement to present to the world: the colonies' case for independence.

The committee was composed of two New England gentlemen, John Adams of Massachusetts and Roger Sherman of Connecticut; two men from the middle colonies, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert Livingston of New York; and one southerner, Thomas Jefferson.

They unanimously selected Jefferson to create the first draft. Even Adams, long known for his oratory skills, conceded that Jefferson was the most qualified to write the draft. With only a few minor editorial changes from Franklin and Adams, and a few added flourishes from Congress, the draft declaration, this Declaration of Independence, was ready.

On July 1, 1776, 12 of the 13 colonies voted to adopt a resolution for independence. Using the document crafted by Jefferson, late in the afternoon on July 4, the Declaration was officially adopted.

Interestingly, not a single signature was added on that day. While most of the 56 names were in place by early August, one signer, Thomas McKean, did not actually sign the document until 1781.

One of the 56 members, Dr. Benjamin Rush said, "Stepping forward to sign the Declaration was like signing your own death warrant." They had all committed treason against the crown of England, a crime punishable by death. In fact, of those 56 signers, nine were killed, five were captured and brutally tortured by the British, and 18 lost their homes and all they owned in the seven-year war of independence that would soon follow.

July 4th was the day singled out to mark the event. John Adams, who went on to become our nation's second president, later wrote his wife, "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival ... it ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other."

Fifty-six very brave men. They stood tall and unwavering as they pledged, "For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Let us not forget the roots of our freedom. Let us not forget these 56 brave Americans. Let us forever carry their torch of freedom. (Courtesy of Air Education And Training Command News Service)