Honoring the Brave: Stories of American Patriots

What if the true cost of our freedom was hidden in the harrowing sacrifices of those who dared to dream of independence? This Independence Day, we uncover the compelling and often tragic stories of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, shedding light on the profound personal losses they endured for the cause of liberty. From Carter Braxton’s financial ruin to Thomas McKean’s relentless pursuit of duty amidst personal chaos, these sagas are a stark reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today were hard-earned and are worth safeguarding.

Join us as we reflect on the valor and unwavering commitment of figures like John Hart and Francis Lewis, who paid the ultimate price for their devotion to the fledgling nation. We draw vital connections to our contemporary lives, urging a deeper appreciation and active engagement in preserving our hard-fought freedoms. This episode isn't just a recount of historical events; it's a call to honor their legacy by contributing meaningfully to our communities and standing up for the values they held dear. Tune in and let these powerful narratives inspire you to cherish and uphold the liberties we often take for granted.

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Transcript

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Good morning.

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Today is Thursday, July 4th 2024.

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I wanted to share this with you today, and I had seen a post on this quite a while ago.

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I didn't know all the details, so I looked it up today.

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What happened to the signers of the Declaration of Independence?

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This is the price that they paid of Independence.

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This is the price that they paid.

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

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Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

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Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army.

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Another had two sons captured.

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

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What kind of men were they?

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24 were lawyers and jurists, 11 were merchants.

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Nine were farmers, Men of means, well-educated.

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But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

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Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy landowner and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy.

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He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in rags.

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Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.

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He served in the Congress without pay and his family was kept in hiding.

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He lost his possessions, and poverty was his reward.

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Vandals or soldiers, or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer Hall, Walton Gwinnett, Hayward Rutledge and Middleton Hymer Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Hayward, Rutledge and Middleton.

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At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters.

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The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire.

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The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.

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Francis Lewis had his home and property destroyed.

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The enemy jailed his wife and she died within a few months of being imprisoned.

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

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Their 13 children fled for their lives.

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His field and his gristmill were laid to waste.

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For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

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A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.

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Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

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Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution.

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These were not wild-eyed rabble-rousing ruffians.

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They were soft-spoken men of means and education.

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They had security, but they valued liberty more.

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Standing tall, straight and unwavering, they pledged for the support of this declaration with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence.

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We mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

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I wanted to put that out.

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I wanted to share it because I think sometimes we as americans and I'm generalizing now how do I, how do I say this in contemporary terms?

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If you have a handout for what you can take, how do I say this in contemporary terms?

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If you have a handout for what you can take, you have no skin in the game.

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You'll always want more.

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You will always want more, Like a little child who just gets given, you know, candy, candy, candy.

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Oh, you do a trick, you get candy.

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You know, Uncle Greedo just keeps giving you candy.

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That's all right when you're a kid.

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When you're a grown adult, take that hand away.

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You've got to put out.

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Don't want to sound like a T-shirt or a bumper sticker, but freedom is not free.

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If you haven't figured that out by now, shame on you.

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Okay, it's the 4th of July.

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It's not just another day for hot dogs and burgers and a day off from work.

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Oh, by the way, to all our friends in the UK, have fun at work today.

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Anyway, I mean, think about it, that's all.

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Just think about it, that's all.

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Just think about it.

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Okay, you got a handout.

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It better be out there to help someone else up.

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Alright.

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It better be out there to offer something to someone in need.

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You leave it out there too long.

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Shame on you.

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Alright, whatever you're gonna do today, do it hard out.

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Bye.

Honoring the Brave: Stories of American Patriots

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