The American Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Thirteen Colonies formed the Union. Together, the thirteen colonies (through their representatives) declared that they were independent states and thus were no longer a part of the British Empire.
The Declaration was signed by 56 representatives. Each one of those 56 individuals risked the wrath of British Empire. Each one of them had sacrificed monumentally.
But, unfortunately, most of the 56 representatives died without any recognition. Some died of war-injuries, some died in debt, some were harassed by the British Empire and were driven away from their homes. Of course, a few such as Thomas Jefferson, John and Sam Adams, and Benjamin Franklin rose to highest offices in Government and are remembered by all of us.
Each one of the 56 representatives deserve our remembrance and gratitude. We should celebrate the lives of each one of them. Here is the complete list of the 56 representatives –
New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton
Massachusetts: John Hancock, Samual Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry
Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery
Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott
New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris
New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark
Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross
Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean
Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton
Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton
North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn
South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton
Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton
Once again, experience and empirics tell us that fame and recognition are quite often product of circumstances and happen-stance, and not always reflection of deeds, merits and contributions. Life is unpredictable in too many ways.
Happy July 4th! With gratitude and appreciation to each one of the 56 representatives.
Tags: Benjamin Franklin, Continental Congress, Declaration of Independence, John Adams, July 4th, Samuel Adams, Thoma Jefferson, United States
