Instructor Tom: Declaring Our Interdependence

Their common age was 33 (Thomas Jefferson’s age on the time). The youngest was solely 20-years-old. The oldest was Benjamin Franklin, who was 83.

Because of having signed the Declaration of Independence, all 56 of the signers had been compelled to flee their properties. Twelve returned to search out solely rubble.

Because of having signed the Declaration of Independence, 17 of them had been worn out financially by the British authorities.

Because of having signed the Declaration of Independence, a lot of them had been captured and tortured, or their households had been imprisoned, or their youngsters had been taken from them. 9 of them died and 4 of them misplaced their youngsters.

As I learn the Declaration of Independence, as I do every July 4, I discover myself in awe of their braveness. They had been all conscious of the possible penalties, however they did what they knew should be executed. Two centuries later, I nonetheless really feel the outrage they will need to have felt as I learn by way of the precise governmental abuses that make them that important second.

Much more than our Structure, the Declaration of Independence is the start level for the USA of America. I discover it each instructional and inspirational to return to the supply earlier than heading out for fireworks.

When Franklin was requested what sort of nation they had been forming, he answered, “A republic, madam, if you happen to can maintain it.”

I fear at occasions that we can’t be capable to maintain it, that, in reality, we have already misplaced it. I fear that too many people have declared our independence not from tyrants, however from each other, not understanding that in making a constitutional authorities of, by, and for we the individuals, we had been additionally declaring our interdependence.

On the signing to the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Franklin famously stated, “We should cling collectively gents . . . else we will most assuredly cling individually.” 

And whereas we come collectively this weekend to commemorate our independence from tyranny, that is additionally a day for embracing our fellow countrymen, for celebrating our interdependence. In that course lies happiness.