While many Americans know at least that much about the Declaration of Independence, we may not know that of the 56 signers . . .

• 17 lost their fortunes;
• 12 had their homes destroyed;
• 5 became prisoners of war;
• 1 had two sons imprisoned on the British starving ship, Jersey;
• 1 had a son killed in battle;
• 1 had his wife die from harsh treatment in prison; and
• 9 lost their own lives during the War for Independence.

When Samuel Adams signed the Declaration, he said:

We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come.

John Adams remarked:

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration. . . . Yet through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. . . . Posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even though we [may regret] it, which I trust in God we shall not.

View CTA’s items that will help you and your church or school observe Independence Day and other patriotic observances.

Adapted from www.AmericanMinute.com

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