Independence Day 2020 - Part II

Independence Day - Part II

https://www.americanheritage.com/we-mutually-pledge-each-other-our-lives-our-fortunes-and-our-sacred-honor#1

Here are the last sentences of the Declaration of Independence - proclaimed on July 4th, 1776’

“That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. 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.

I want to highlight that last line.  The signers of the Declaration of Independence anticipated what would happen when the United Colonies (aka The United States) declared their independence from Great Britain.  Already British soldiers had fired on - and killed - citizens of the colonies (primarily in Boston).  Yes, it was not an easy journey from Great Britain to the “colonies”.  All transportation was on sailing vessels - and dependent on the winds and ocean currents.  But, the colonies were somewhat ‘cash cows’ for the British.  Cotton, tobacco, wood, and other goods were shipped back to England.  

These signers anticipated that they might die in declaring the colonies as free states.  Not only that, but they might also lose their fortunes, they might lose their lives.

Snopes (the Internet Fact Checker) says that not all were subjected to hardships beyond the normal.  

But, they were WILLING to pledge their lives, fortune, and honor.  There have been “popular” versions of the fortunes of the signers - many (according to Snopes) are just not true.  The Revolutionary War was a difficult one to wage for both sides.  It was on American soil - and maybe a little like Vietnam was fifty years ago, it may not have been a popular war at home in Great Britain - although British media of 1776 to 1783 was very different from American media of 1965 to 1975. There were no news wire reports, no photographs of battle scenes.  Even within the colonies, the army had its problems with supplies and manpower.  Yes, many of the men at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778 did die.  

Warfare was different.  You could take one shot and then reload your gun.  Frequently one line proceeded ahead, took their shot, and went to the rear while the second line took their shot and the third line.  No rapid-fire guns.  At times the American troops had inferior equipment.  

But, back to the signers, they did pledge their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor!!!  In a few cases, maybe they did lose a fortune (but, it wasn’t necessarily at the hands of the British).  Some had their houses used as military headquarters - for both British - or American forces.  (The signers of the Declaration were relatively rich people - who else could leave home and travel to Philadelphia for weeks on end).  

But, they were WILLING!!  They counted the cost - and were WILLING,  They deemed independence from Great Britain as a necessary step in the development of the American country and North American continent.  (Our neighbor, Canada, opted to stay part of the British Empire and develop as a country within that constraint - but that is a different story.  

Because one is WILLING to pledge their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor doesn’t mean that they will lose their lives, fortunes, or honor - but it shows their commitment!!!

*****

So, today, what are you WILLING to pledge your life to?  Are you willing to pledge your life to love, to holiness, to reconciliation between peoples?  Are you willing to pledge your life to peace instead of hatred?

There is a story about the farmer who was very nice to his animals.  The animals decided to give the farmer breakfast.  The chicken (and chickens) were very willing to donate eggs for the farmer, the pig was willing to donate his life to give bacon to the farmer.  There is a difference in the level of commitment.  Are you willing to write a check to a group to help the homeless children in your community?  Or, are you willing to be a foster parent to a homeless child?  There is a difference in commitment.  

Hugs!!!

Karen