What kind of men were they who signed the Declaration of Independence? They were merchants, lawyers, farmers, plantation owners, well-educated men of means — signing, knowing that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Thomas of Virginia saw his ships taken by the British Navy, dying in rags.

Lewis had his home destroyed and his wife jailed, where she died.

McKearn had to move his family constantly and served in Congress with no pay. Poverty was his reward.

Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Thirteen children fled for their lives. For more than a year he lived in caves and forests. He died from exhaustion.

Nelson Jr. noted at the battle Yorktown that a British general had taken over the Nelson home. He urged George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.

They were not rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men. They had security but valued liberty more. Standing tall and unwavering, they pledged to each other, our lives, our fortunes and our sacred homes. They gave us an independent America. Can we keep it?

If you’re unwilling to resist tyranny, then you will suffer the loss of your freedoms and your children’s children will suffer for your neglect.

Judy Hatton

Tokeland