The Signers of the Declaration of Independence

“In 1776 Thomas Paine, American Revolution patriot and writer, wrote about the price of freedom:

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; ‘tis dearness only that give everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an articles as Freedom should not be highly rated.

Let’s put our name on the line, pledging ourselves with firm resolve, much like those brave men did on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia when they signed the Declaration of Independence.

Did you know that of the fifty-six courageous men who signed that original document in Philadelphia, many did not survive the war that followed? Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Nine others died in the Revolutionary War, either from its hardships or its bullets. Twelve had their homes sacked, looted, burned, or occupied by the enemy. Two lost their sons in battle. One had two sons captured. Yes, the price of freedom was high indeed for those men. But deciding to be free, to think and live independently, to soar above the masses is always a costly decision” (Charles Swindoll, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, pg. 51).