Appreciating Freedom during a recent transport


[Follow Ups] [Post Followup] [Dodge Power Wagon Forum]


Posted by Mark in NJ on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 16:13:24 :

Hi all,

I had the pleasure to transport a small military trailer from Mass to MD.

It fit perfectly in the bed of my truck and I enjoyed 2 days of perfect weather traveling the hiways.

I decided to stop of in Philly and walk around the historic section. I came to sit outside Independence Hall before meeting some friends for dinner.

Had many thoughts run through my mind as I sat there starring at that majestic structure.

One of my thoughts was, "What a bunch of rebels, rocking the boat". I laughed a little at that thought.

But as I walked away, I was also thankful at what they and others did over 231 years ago.

Some paid a hefty price. Even though it is not July 4th, everyday is Independence day in this Country.

Mark in NJ


Read the following:

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who
signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors,
and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;
another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or
hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their
fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were
merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation
owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed
the Declaration of Independence knowing full well
that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and
trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the
British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay
his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he
was forced to move his family almost constantly. He
served in the Congress without pay, and his family was
kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him,
and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery,
Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge,
and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted
that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the
Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged
General George Washington to open fire. The home was
destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.
The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few
months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she
was dying.

Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and
his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year
he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find
his wife dead and his children vanished. Some of us
take these liberties so much for granted, but we
shouldn't.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July
holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not
much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!




Follow Ups:



Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:
Subject:
Message:
Optional Link
URL:
Title:
Optional Image Link
URL:


This board is powered by the Mr. Fong Device from Cyberarmy.com