July 4th–the 239th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

All of the morning papers today in Northern Utah carried the same ad placed by a Utah business, Scheels:

“God Bless America–remember the 56! Celebrate them on Independence Day July 4th.”
Of those 56 who signed the Declaration of Independence
__Nine died of wounds or hardships during the War
__Five were captured and imprisoned, with brutal punishment
__Several lost wives, sons, or entire families
__One lost his 13 children
__Two wives were brutally treated
__All were hunted and driven from their homes
__Twelve had homes completely burned
__Seventeen lost everything they owned
Yet, not one defected or went back on his pledged word.

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

Thirteen Colonies signed the document:  Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. They ensured that those who descended from them would have cause for shame.

Today we look to the Past for the strength to meet the challenge of what lies ahead.

Your favorite genealogist, Arlene Eakle  http://arleneeakle.com

PS If you descend from one of these 56, or count any one of these 56 among your relatives, have you told their story?  Do you know their story?

 

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