"OUR LIVES, OUR FORTUNES AND OUR SACRED HONOR."

With these words the men who gathered in Philadelphia on that summer day, the first 4th, closed the document that began a nation! The Declaration of Independence gave notice to King George of England that the American Colonies were no more and that a new nation The United States of America would govern herself as a free country answering to no man or monarchy where each individual was represented and able to exercise the liberties and freedoms that God intended for man to live by. Each of these men who forged this nation and signed the Declaration pledging their lives, fortunes and sacred honor were openly committing an act of treason against England thus warranting a death sentence if caught by British authorities. Many who signed the Declaration lost everything to help build this country. Men like John Hancock, the president of the Continental Congress stated that he signed his name larger than the rest so that, "old George could see it better!" Benjamin Franklin gave up all resemblance of a family life as he stayed in Europe to try an forge the alliance with France. His relationship with his son was shattered because of the break from England for his son was the British Govenour to one of the colonies and a strong supporter of King George. Many lost large fortunes outfitting the Continental Army and yes some lost their lives fighting for our independence. Who were these extraordinary men who built this nation ? Each lived lives very similar to his neighbor, many had farms and families to raise, men of the land. Some were men of law, attorneys like John Adams. Some were tradesmen like Samuel Adams. Even though they came from different backgrounds, occupations and had personalities as diverse as the day is long each came with a common goal and a yearning for freedom. Together they forged a nation that has not found its match in history, whose form of government is like none before or since. They argued, complained, laughed and even ridiculed as they gathered to claim our independence. Yet when each read and signed those wonderful words penned by Thomas Jefferson, "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," they knew that all men, women and children were created to be free and in their hands was the instrument that made that belief a reality in this new nation. As we celebrate this 229th anniversary of our independence let each of us remember those who sacrificed all to forge this nation and those since then who have served and given, "the last full measure of devotion" in order to preserve this nation and each of our freedoms. Let us never cease to be thankful for all that those before us have given and never take for granted this land of liberty. Happy 4th of July and God bless The United States of America!

Ken Taylor

(click on the title to read The Declaration of Independnce)