On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was declared by the Continental Congress. The American Colonies were tired of being ruled by Great Britain. As the colonies grew they wanted to form their own country. In 1775 they began the rebellion, signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to confirm their independence and explain to other countries why they were fighting. The fighting continued til 1783 when the British were defeated.
It is an important message of self governance and human rights. Thirteen colonies were represented by fifty-six Americans and by signing the Declaration of Independence, they pledged their fortunes and their sacred Honor. Nine signers died of wounds during the Revolutionary War, five were captured or imprisoned. Wives and children were killed, jailed, mistreated or left penniless. Twelve signers' houses were burned to the ground. Seventeen lost everything they owned. There were no signer defectors. Their honor and their nation remained intact . They had made no idle pledges.
The second sentence of the Declaration says it all. "All people are created equally and have rights that include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". Thomas Jefferson who would be the third president of the United States, wrote the above sentence.
God Bless America
