Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday Discussion Topic @ AdlandPro Community

Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:23:33 GMT

Our Nation’s 232nd Birthday – July 4^th, Independence Day

It took Thomas Jefferson 17 days to write the Declaration of Independence, and on July 2, 1776, the Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain. After two days of debate and some changes to the document, on July 4th, the Congress voted to accept the Declaration of Independence. This is why we celebrate July 4th as Independence Day.

The Scene at the Signing of the Constitution, oil painting (reproduction)
by Howard Chandler Christy, 1940
(Courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol, Washington, DC)

The first part of the document gives notice of the break with Great Britain and the reasons for the break. The last part is a list of grievances or complaints against George III.

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It signifies the colonies' break from Great Britain and the rule of King George III. The Second Continental Congress formed a committee to write the Declaration, but the Committee thought it would be better for only one person to write the document.

The Founding Fathers

The Founding Fathers are the individuals who were collectively appointed to attend the Constitutional Convention as delegates by the original 13 colonies (excluding Rhode Island, which did not send delegates). They found that the government established by the Article of Confederation was not strong enough to govern the new nation and needed to be revised. Out of the 55 delegates who were able to attend, only 39 signed the U.S. Constitution. Those who did not attend included Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Samuel Adams and John Hancock.

The first painting that Trumbull completed for the Rotunda shows the presentation of the Declaration of Independence in what is now called Independence Hall, Philadelphia. The painting features the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence — John Adams, Roger Sherman, Thomas Jefferson (presenting the document), and Benjamin Franklin — standing before John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress. The painting includes portraits of 42 of the 56 signers and 5 other patriots. The artist sketched the individuals and the room from life.
(Courtesy of The Independence Hall Association)

Here are the names and brief background of all 56 Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration. The first, largest, and most famous signature is that of John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. The youngest signer was Edward Rutledge (age 26). Benjamin Franklin (age 70) was the oldest. Two future presidents signed: John Adams (second President) and Thomas Jefferson (third President).

Delegates from the State of Connecticut:

Samuel Huntington (1731-1796)
Lawyer. Admitted to the Bar of Connecticut, 1754; King's attorney, tax collector, town-meeting moderator, justice of the peace, Norwich Connecticut; Appointed to the Superior court, 1773; Elected to provincial Upper House of Assembly, appointed to the Council of Safety, Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776...; President of the Continental Congress, 1779-81; Lieutenant Governor and Chief judge of Superior Court of Connecticut, 1784-86; Governor of Connecticut, 1786-1796.

Roger Sherman (1721-1793)
Lawyer. Admitted to Bar in New Milford Connecticut, 1754; Justice of the Peace, elected to General Assembly, representing New Milford Connecticut, 1755-58, 1760-61; Commisary for the Connecticut Troops, 1759; Elected to various Upper and Lower House offices representing New Haven, 1760s, 1770s; Judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut, 1766-1789; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-81, 1783-84; Distinguished member of the Constitutional Convention, 1787; Elected US Senator for Connecticut, 1791-93.

Oliver Wolcott (1726-1797)
Sheriff of Litchfield County, ca. 1751-1775; Judge, 1750s, 60s; Militia leader, 1771-1774; Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1775, 1784-89; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775-76, 1778-84; Brigadier General of the Connecticut Militia, 1776 ... Lt. Governor of Connecticut, 1786-96; Governor, 1796-97

William Williams (1731-1811)
Town Clerk, Selectman, Provincial Representative, Council to the Legislature. Elected State Legislator, delegate to colonial conferences, 1775; Elected to Continental Congress, 1776-77; Delegate to the Connecticut convention to ratify the federal Constitution, 1787; Judge of the Windham County Courthouse.

Delegates from the State of Delaware:

Caesar Rodney (1728-1784)
Commissioned High Sheriff of Kent County, 1755; Elected to Colonial Assembly, 1758-70, 1771-76; Delegate to the Stamp Act Congress, 1765; Member of the Delaware Committee of Correspondence, 1765; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-76, 77; Military Leader, 1774-77, Elected President of the State of Delaware, 1778-80; Member of the Upper House of the State Assembly, 1776-84;

George Read (1733-1798)
Admitted to Philadelphia Bar, 1753; Attorney General (in Delaware), 1761; Member of Delaware Committee of Correspondence, 1774; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-1776; Member of Delaware Constitutional Convention, 1776; Acting Governor of Delaware, 1777; Judge, Court of Appeals, 1780; State Senator 1791, 92; Chief Justice of the State of Delaware, 1793-98.

Thomas McKean (1734-1817)
Deputy Attorney General to County Sussex 1756; Admitted to Bar of Pennsylvania Supreme Court, appointed Clerk of the Assembly of Delaware, 1757; Member of Delaware Assembly, 1762-79; Delegate to the Stamp Act Congress, 1765; Collector of Customs and Commissioner of Revenue at New Castle, 1771; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774-81; President of Delaware, 1776; Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, 1777-97; Governor of Pennsylvania, 1799-1812.

Delegates from the State of Georgia:

Button Gwinnett (1735-1777)
Commander of Georgia's Continental Battalion, Elected to Continental Congress, 1776; President of the Georgia Council of Safety, 1777.

George Walton (1741-1804)
Lawyer, Judge, Admitted to the Bar, 1774; Member, Secretary, Provincial Congress of Georgia, 1776; Member, Georgia Committee of Safety, 1776; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1776, 77, 1780, 81; Colonel of the First Georgia Militia, 1778; Governor of Georgia, 1779; Chief Justice of Georgia, 1783-89; Presidential Elector, Governor of Georgia, 1789; Superior Court Judge, 1789-98, US. Senator, 1795.

Lyman Hall (1724-1790)
Physician, Elected to Continental Congress, 1775; Delegate to the Georgia House of Assembly, Elected Governor of Georgia, 1783; Judge, 1785.

Delegates from the State of Massachusetts:

John Adams (1735-1826)
Admitted to Massachusetts Bar, 1761; Elected to Massachusetts Assembly, 1770; Attended First Continental Congress, 1774-'76; Signed Declaration of Independence, 1776; Appointed Diplomat to France, 1776-'79; Member of assembly to form State Constitution of Massachusetts, Minister plenipotentiary in Europe, 1780, '81; Party to the Treaty of Peace with Gr. Britain, 1783; U.S. Minister to the British court, c. 1783- '88; Elected first Vice President, 1789; President, 1796.

“[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”

John Hancock (1737-1793)
Elected to the Boston Assembly, 1766; Delegate to, and President of, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, circa 1773; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774; Elected President of the Continental Congress, 1775; Member of Massachusetts state Constitutional Convention, elected Governor of Massachusetts, through 1793.

“There, I guess King George will be able to read that. [Remark upon signing his signature very large on American Declaration of Independence]”

Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814)
Member, General Court of Massachusetts, 1772; Elected to Massachusetts Legislature, 1773; Provincial Congress, 1774; Continental Congress, 1776-81, 1783-85; Envoy to France, 1797; Governor of Massachusetts, 1810, 1811; Vice President of the United States (with Madison), 1812

"Whenever governments mean to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia, in order to raise an army upon their ruins."

Samuel Adams (1722-1803)
Tax-collector; Elected to Massachusetts Assembly, 1765; Delegate to the First Continental Congress, 1774; Signed Declaration of Independence, 1776; Member of Massachusetts State constitutional convention, 1781; Appointed Lieutenant Governor of Mass., 1789; Elected Governor of Massachusetts, 1794-'97.

"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."

"All might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they should."

Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814)
Admitted to Massachusetts Bar, 1757; Elected to Provincial Assembly, 1770; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774, 1776; Attorney General for Massachusetts, 1777-1796; Judge, Supreme Court of Massachusetts, 1796-1804; State counselor, 1804.

Delegates from the State of Maryland:

Charles Carroll (1737-1832)
Member of first Maryland Committee of Safety, Provincial Congress, 1775; Delayed member of Continental Congress, August, 1776, Signed Declaration of Independence; Appointed to board of War, 1776; Elected to Senate of Maryland, 1781; Elected U.S. Senator from Maryland, 1788, returned to Maryland Senate 1789-'99.

"Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure (and) which insures to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments."

Samuel Chase (1741-1811)
Practiced Law in Annapolis; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-1778; Chief Justice of Criminal Court, district of Baltimore; Chief Justice, state of Maryland, 1788-1796; Justice, US Supreme Court, 1796-1811.

Thomas Stone (1743-1787)
Lawyer, Admitted to the Maryland Bar, 1764; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1775-78, 1783; Elected to Constitutional Convention (declined), 1785.

William Paca (1740-1799)
Delegate to the Maryland Legislature, 1771; Member of the Committee of Correspondence, Patriot Leader; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-78, Chief Justice of Maryland, 1778; Elected Governor of Maryland, 1782; Federal District Judge for the State of Maryland, 1789-99.

Delegates from the State of New Jersey:

Abraham Clark (1725-1794)
Land attorney; High Sheriff of Essex County, NJ.; Member of New Jersey Provincial Congress; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1776 ~1784.

John Hart (1711-1779)
Farmer, Member of the New Jersey Assembly, 1761-1771; Served on the Committee of Safety, Committee of Correspondence, 1775; Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Member of Provincial Assembly 1775; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1776.

Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791)
Lawyer, Judge, Author, Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776; Judge of admiralty for Pennsylvania, 1780; Appointed Judge to the US Court for the District of Pennsylvania, 1790.

Richard Stockton (1730-1781)
Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, 1774; Elected to Continental Congress, 1776

John Witherspoon (1723-1794)
President of College of New Jersey, 1768-1792; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776-1782; Twice elected to State Legislature of New Jersey.

Delegates from the State of New Hampshire:

Josiah Bartlett (1729-1795)
Physician, Judge, Delegate to Continental Congress, 1774-'87; Signed Declaration of Independence, 1776; Signed Articles of Confederation, 1777; State court Judge, Member of Federal constitutional convention, 1787; Elected Governor of New Hampshire.

Matthew Thornton (1714-1803)
Appointed surgeon to the New Hampshire Troops, 1745; Member of the Provincial Assembly, 1758-62, ??-1775; Colonel of the Londonderry Militia, Londonderry Town Selectman, 1763-75; Londonderry Committee of Safety, 1775, 76; Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Associate Justice of the Superior Court, Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776.

William Whipple (1730-1785)
Merchant, Soldier, Judge, Elected to Provincial Congress, 1775, 76; Member of state Council, Committee of Safety, 1776; Elected to Continental Congress, 1776-79; Commissioned Brigadier General of the New Hampshire Militia, 1777- ca. 1781; Appointed Associate Judge to the Superior Court, 1782.

Delegates from the State of New York:

Francis Lewis (1713-1802)
Merchant, Elected to the Continental Congress, 1775.

Lewis Morris (1726-1798)
Member of Provincial Legislature; Deputy to New York Convention, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775-77; County judge, Worcester, 1777; Served in New York Legislature, Member of the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York.

Philip Livingston (1716-1778)
Alderman, New York city; Delegate to the Albany Convention, 1754; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776; Later, State Senator in New York, Delegate to Federal Congress until 1778.

William Floyd (1734-1821)
Soldier; Member of Continental Congress of 1774-76; Member of Congress, 1789-91; State Senator, New York, 1808.

Delegates from the State of North California:

John Penn (1741-1788)
Law Practice in Virginia, 1762; Accepted to the North Carolina Bar, 1774; Member of Continental Congress, 1775-77, 1779-80; Member of the Board of War, 1780.

William Hooper (1742-1790)
Elected to General Assembly of North Carolina, 1773; Member of Continental Congress, 1774-1776; Judge of the Federal Court; 1786.

Joseph Hewes (1730-1779)
Member of the Colonial Assembly of North Carolina, 1766-75. Member of the Committee of Correspondence, member of new Provincial Assembly, 1775; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-79, Defacto first Secretary of the Navy.

Delegates from the State of South Carolina:

Arthur Middleton (1742-1787)
Charleston Council of Safety, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776.

Edward Rutledge (1749-1800)
State Legislator, Representative to the Continental Congress, 1774-76, 1779; Captain, Charleston Battalion of Artillery, 1776-1779; State legislator, 1782-1796; College of Electors, 1788, 1792, 1796; Elected Governor for South Carolina, 1798.

Thomas Lynch Jr. (1749-1779)
Captain of a South Carolina Regimental Company, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776.

Thomas Heyward Jr. (1746-1809)
Elected to the Continental Congress, 1775-1778; Judge, 1783-1798.

Delegates from the State of Pennsylvania:

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Printer, Publisher, Scientist. Clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly, 1736; Founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, 1731; Postmaster of Philadelphia, 1737-1753; Member of Pennsylvania Assembly, 1751-1764; Deputy Postmaster general of the British colonies in America, 1753; Founded Academy of Sciences of Philadelphia, 1753; Agent to Europe for Pennsylvania, 1757-1762, for Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, 1764-1775; Elected to Continental Congress, 1775; Testified before Parliament concerning the Stamp Act, 1776; Postmaster General of the united colonies, 1775; Commissioner to the French Court, 1776; Minister plenipotentiary to the French Court, 1779; Negotiator in and Member of the Treaties with Gr.-Britain, 1781-1783; Member of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, President of Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery, 1785; Senior member of the Constitutional Convention, 1787.

"We must all hang together, or, assuredly, we shall all hang separately."

"Any people that would give up liberty for a little temporary safety deserves neither liberty nor safety."

George Clymer (1739-1813)
Merchant, Member of the Philadelphia Committee of Safety, 1773; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1776-1780; Member of Pennsylvania Legislature, Revenue Officer, Federal Indian Agent, 1781-1796; First president of: Philadelphia Bank, Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, vice-president of the Philadelphia Agricultural Society.

Benjamin Rush (1745-1813)
Physician, Professor of Chemistry at the College of Philadelphia, 1769; Writer, Member of the Sons of Liberty in Philadelphia, 1773...; Elected to Pennsylvania provincial conference, Elected to Continental Congress, 1776; Appointed Surgeon-general to the armies of the middle department (of the Continental Army), 1777; Instructor, Physician, University of the State of Pennsylvania, 1778...; Treasurer of the U.S. Mint, 1779-1813; Professor of medical theory and clinical practice, University of Pennsylvania, 1791-1813

George Taylor (1716-1781)
Ironmaster, Elected to the provincial Assembly, 1764-69; Member of the Committee of Correspondence, Committee of Safety,1773-76; Elected to Continental Congress, 1775-77.

George Ross (1730-1779)
Admitted to Pennsylvania Bar, 1750; Crown Prosecutor for Carlisle, twelve years; Elected to Provincial Assembly, 1768-1776; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774, 1776-77; Colonel in the Continental Army, 1776; Vice president of the Pennsylvania constitutional convention, 1776; Judge of the Admiralty Court of Pennsylvania, 1779.

James Smith (1719-1806)
Lawyer

James Wilson (1742-1798)
Admitted to the Bar, 1767; Member of the Pennsylvania provincial meeting, appointed to a Committee of Correspondence, 1774; Elected to Provincial Congress, 1775; Commissioned Colonel of the Fourth Cumberland County Battalion, 1775; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1775-77, 1785-87; Director of the Bank of North America, 1781; Member of the Constitutional Convention, 1784; Associate Justice to the US. Supreme Court, 1789-1798.

John Morton (1724-1777)
Elected to Provincial Assembly, 1756-1775; Delegate to the Stamp Act Congress, 1765; President of the Provincial Assembly, 1775; Offices in Pennsylvania: Justice of the Peace, High Sheriff, Presiding Judge of the General Court and the Court of Common Pleas, Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-77.

Robert Morris (1734-1806)
Merchant, Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775, Appointed Special Commissioner of Finance, 1776; Author of the plan for a National Bank, 1781; Financial Agent of the United States, 1781; Delegate to the Pennsylvania Legislature, ca. 1783; Delegate to the Constitutional Convention, 1787; United States Senator, 1789-95; Appointed Secretary of the Treasury, 1789

Delegates from the State of Virginia:

Benjamin Harrison (1726-1791)
Farmer. Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses, 1764; Member of the Continental Congress, 1774-77; Reelected to House of Burgesses, 1777, Selected as Speaker, 1778; Elected Governor of Virginia, 1782-84, 1791.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
Lawyer. Admitted to Virginia bar, 1767; Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses, 1769; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775-76; Virginia House of Delegates, 1776-79; Elected Governor of Virginia, 1779, 1780; Dispatched to England to treat for peace with Gr. Britain, 1782; Associate Envoy to France, 1784; Minister to the French Court, 1785; Secretary of State, 1789; Established Democratic-Republican party, 1793; Vice President of the United States, 1796; President, 1801; Established University of Virginia, 1810.

"Can the liberties of a nation be sure when we remove their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people, that these liberties are a gift from God?"

"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good consciene to remain silent."

"Educate and inform the whole mass of the people...They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."

Carter Braxton (1736-1797)
Farmer. Virginia House of Burgesses, 1770-85; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774-75; Member, Virginia patriot's Committee of Safety, 1774; Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1776.

George Wythe (1726-1806)
Educator, Lawyer. Admitted to the Bar in Virginia, 1746; Clerk of the committee on Privileges and Elections of the House of Burgesses, 1747; Attorney General of Virginia, 1753; Member of the House of Burgesses; 1755-65; Member of the Board of Visitors, William and Mary, 1761; Professor of Law, William and Mary, 1769-1789; Elected to Continental Congress, 1775-76; Speaker of the Virginia House, 1777-78; Judge of the Chancery Court of Virginia, 1789-1806

Francis Lightfoot Lee (1734-1797)
Farmer. Member of the Virginia House of Burgesses 1758-75; Elected to Continental Congress, 1775-79, Member of Virginia Senate.

Thomas Nelson Jr. (1738-1789)
Farmer. Member of the House of Burgesses, 1774; Virginia provincial Convention, 1775; Officer and Commander of the Virginia Militia, 1775...; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775-77, 1779; Elected Governor of Virginia, 1781.

Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794)Farmer, Justice of the peace, 1757; Virginia House of Burgesses, 1757; Continental Congress 1774; First U.S. Senator for Virginia, 1789.

"It must never be forgotten...that the liberties of the people are not so safe under the gracious manner of government as by the limitation of power."

(Source: National Archives, Library of Congress, The Independence Hall Association)

About the author: JoAnne is an American businesswoman. She is the founder and principal of Sunburst International Risk Management (SRIM) and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services. For information on SIRM international risk and insurance protection programs, custom-designed risk mitigation and training services, please visit Sunburst websites www.InternationalRiskManagement.com and www.WorldwideMedicalPlans.com

JoAnne also hosts 21st Century MultiNational Perspectives/Blog/FYI

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Created By: 241880

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:24:28 GMT

Independence: A Solemn Duty

by Richard Henry Lee

Richard Henry Lee
(1732-1794), Virginia House of Burgesses, Representing Virginia at the Continental Congress

The time will certainly come when the fated separation between the mother country and these colonies must take place whether you will or no, for it is so decreed by the very nature of things by the progressive increase of our population, the fertility of our soil, the extent of our territory, the industry of our countrymen, and the immensity of the ocean which separates the two countries. And if this be true, as it is most true, who does not see that the sooner it takes place, the better? -- that it would be the height of folly not to seize the present occasion when British injustice has filled all hearts with indignation, inspired all minds with courage, united all opinions in one, and put arms in every hand? And how long must we traverse three thousand miles of a stormy sea to solicit of arrogant and insolent men either counsel or commands to regulate our domestic affairs? From what we have already achieved it is easy to presume what we shall hereafter accomplish. Experience is the source of sage counsels and liberty is the mother of great men. Have you not seen the enemy driven from Lexington by citizens armed and assembled in one day? Already their most celebrated generals have yielded in Boston to the skill of ours. Already their seamen repulsed from our coasts wander over the ocean, the sport of tempests and the prey of famine. Let us hail the favorable omen and fight not for the sake of knowing on what terms we are to be the slaves of England but to secure to ourselves a free existence to found a just and independent government.

Why do we longer delay? why still deliberate? Let this most happy day give birth to the American Republic. Let her arise not to devastate and conquer but to re-establish the reign of peace and the laws. The eyes of Europe are fixed upon us; she demands of us a living example of freedom that may contrast by the felicity of her citizens with the ever increasing tyranny which desolates her polluted shores. She invites us to prepare an asylum where the unhappy may find solace and the persecuted repose. She entreats us to cultivate a propitious soil where that generous plant which first sprang up and grew in England but is now withered by the poisonous blasts of Scottish tyranny may revive and flourish, sheltering under its salubrious and interminable shade all the unfortunate of the human race. This is the end presaged by so many omens; by our first victories; by the present ardor and union; by the flight of Howe and the pestilence which broke out among Dunmore's people; by the very winds which baffled the enemy's fleets and transports, and that terrible tempest which engulfed seven hundred vessels upon the coast of Newfoundland. If we are not this day wanting in our duty to our country, the names of the American legislators will be placed, by posterity, at the side of those of Theseus, of Lycurgus, of Romulus of Numa, of the three Williams of Nassau, and of all those whose memory has been and will be forever dear to virtuous men and good citizens.

(Source: National Archives, Library of Congress, The Independence Hall Association)

(Photo courtesy of Nature Hills Nursery in Nebraska, USA)

JoAnne Green
Principal/International Risk Management Advisor

Integrity Experience Dependability

Created By: 241880

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:25:09 GMT

America Seated Among The Nations (1780)
By Jonathan Mason, Oration at Boston, March 5, 1780

The rising sun of this Western Hemisphere is already announced, and she is summoned to her seat among the nations of the earth. We have publicly declared ourselves convinced of the destructive tendencies of standing armies. We have acknowledged the necessity of public spirit and the love of virtue to the happiness of any people, and we profess to be sensible of the great blessings that flow from them. Let us not act unworthily of the reputable character we now sustain. Let integrity of heart, the spirit of freedom, and rigid virtue be seen to actuate every member of the commonwealth.

The trial of our patriotism is yet before us, and we have reason to thank heaven that its principles are so well known and diffused. Exercise towards each other the benevolent feelings of friendship, and let that unity of sentiment which has shone in the field be equally animating in our councils. Remember that prosperity is dangerous; that, though successful, we are not infallible.

Let this sacred maxim make the deepest impression upon our minds, that if avarice, if extortion, if luxury and political corruption are suffered to become popular among us, civil discord and the ruin of our country will be the speedy consequence of such fatal vices. But while patriotism is the leading principle, and our laws are contrived with wisdom and executed with vigor; while industry, frugality, and temperance are held in estimation, and we depend upon public spirit and the love of virtue for our social happiness, peace and affluence will throw their smiles upon the brow of individuals, our commonwealth will flourish, our land will become a land of liberty, and America an asylum for the oppressed.

(Source: National Archives, Library of Congress, The Independence Hall Association)

(Photo courtesy of Nature Hills Nursery in Nebraska, USA)

JoAnne Green
Principal/International Risk Management Advisor

Integrity Experience Dependability

Created By: 241880

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:45:59 GMT

Created By: nicksym

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:21:50 GMT

Hello JoAnn,

Thank you for this great refresher course in American History. I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.

God Bless you and
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Gaby

Created By: 321095

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:10:44 GMT

HAPPY JULY 4TH!
Hello Gaby,

You wrote "Thank you for this great refresher course in American History. I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN."

It was my pleasure, Gaby. I felt very proud and privileged as I was reading several papers of our Founding Fathers. Their words and expression were so beautiful and yet resolved. Their love for their countrymen was so profound. We are so blessed with their fortitude and love.

I am so happy to know that you are a proud American. I just wish that more Americans would feel genuinely proud about this country, particular politicians.

Keep Safe, Keep Smiling!

JoAnne Green
Principal/International Risk Management Advisor

Integrity Experience Dependability

Created By: 241880

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:35:19 GMT

Hi there, my dear Canadian friend Nick,

Thank you so much for giving me such a beautiful graphic to celebrate our nation's 232nd birthday.

Have an Awesome Weekend!

JoAnne Green
Principal/International Risk Management Advisor

Integrity Experience Dependability

Created By: 241880

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:27:01 GMT

Dear Joanne

Happy 4th July to all my American friends.

In Thailand we call you uncle sam.

When I imagine between England and China

American and Japaness.

Same same but different.

Sawasdee from Thailand

Created By: 343969

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:34:55 GMT

Happy Birthday America!!!

Thank You...JoAnne :)

Created By: stevensuchar

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:08:46 GMT

Thank You JoAnne,

I appreciate your great forum! Here are a couple of photos I found to add to the collection .. Happy 4th of July . Hugs

Geketa

Declaration of Independence

Signing of the Declaration of Independence

Created By: 313726

Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday Discussion Topic @ AdlandPro Community

Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Delegates from the State of Georgia:

Button Gwinnett (1735-1777) Commander of Georgia's Continental Battalion, Elected to Continental Congress, 1776; President of the Georgia Council of Safety, 1777.

Lyman Hall (1724-1790)Physician, Elected to Continental Congress, 1775; Delegate to the Georgia House of Assembly, Elected Governor of Georgia, 1783; Judge, 1785.

Delegates from the State of Massachusetts:

Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814)Admitted to Massachusetts Bar, 1757; Elected to Provincial Assembly, 1770; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774, 1776; Attorney General for Massachusetts, 1777-1796; Judge, Supreme Court of Massachusetts, 1796-1804; State counselor, 1804.

Delegates from the State of Maryland:

Samuel Chase (1741-1811) Practiced Law in Annapolis; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-1778; Chief Justice of Criminal Court, district of Baltimore; Chief Justice, state of Maryland, 1788-1796; Justice, US Supreme Court, 1796-1811.

Thomas Stone (1743-1787) Lawyer, Admitted to the Maryland Bar, 1764; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1775-78, 1783; Elected to Constitutional Convention (declined), 1785.

William Paca (1740-1799) Delegate to the Maryland Legislature, 1771; Member of the Committee of Correspondence, Patriot Leader; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-78, Chief Justice of Maryland, 1778; Elected Governor of Maryland, 1782; Federal District Judge for the State of Maryland, 1789-99.

Delegates from the State of New Jersey:

Abraham Clark (1725-1794) Land attorney; High Sheriff of Essex County, NJ.; Member of New Jersey Provincial Congress; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1776 ~1784.

John Hart (1711-1779) Farmer, Member of the New Jersey Assembly, 1761-1771; Served on the Committee of Safety, Committee of Correspondence, 1775; Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Member of Provincial Assembly 1775; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1776.

Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791) Lawyer, Judge, Author, Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776; Judge of admiralty for Pennsylvania, 1780; Appointed Judge to the US Court for the District of Pennsylvania, 1790.

Richard Stockton (1730-1781) Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, 1774; Elected to Continental Congress, 1776

John Witherspoon (1723-1794) President of College of New Jersey, 1768-1792; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776-1782; Twice elected to State Legislature of New Jersey.

Delegates from the State of New Hampshire:

Josiah Bartlett (1729-1795) Physician, Judge, Delegate to Continental Congress, 1774-'87; Signed Declaration of Independence, 1776; Signed Articles of Confederation, 1777; State court Judge, Member of Federal constitutional convention, 1787; Elected Governor of New Hampshire.

Delegates from the State of New York:

Francis Lewis (1713-1802) Merchant, Elected to the Continental Congress, 1775.

Lewis Morris (1726-1798) Member of Provincial Legislature; Deputy to New York Convention, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775-77; County judge, Worcester, 1777; Served in New York Legislature, Member of the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York.

Philip Livingston (1716-1778) Alderman, New York city; Delegate to the Albany Convention, 1754; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776; Later, State Senator in New York, Delegate to Federal Congress until 1778.

William Floyd (1734-1821)Soldier; Member of Continental Congress of 1774-76; Member of Congress, 1789-91; State Senator, New York, 1808.

John Penn (1741-1788) Law Practice in Virginia, 1762; Accepted to the North Carolina Bar, 1774; Member of Continental Congress, 1775-77, 1779-80; Member of the Board of War, 1780.

William Hooper (1742-1790) Elected to General Assembly of North Carolina, 1773; Member of Continental Congress, 1774-1776; Judge of the Federal Court; 1786.

Joseph Hewes (1730-1779) Member of the Colonial Assembly of North Carolina, 1766-75. Member of the Committee of Correspondence, member of new Provincial Assembly, 1775; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-79, Defacto first Secretary of the Navy.

Delegates from the State of South Carolina:

Arthur Middleton (1742-1787) Charleston Council of Safety, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776.

Edward Rutledge (1749-1800) State Legislator, Representative to the Continental Congress, 1774-76, 1779; Captain, Charleston Battalion of Artillery, 1776-1779; State legislator, 1782-1796; College of Electors, 1788, 1792, 1796; Elected Governor for South Carolina, 1798.

Thomas Lynch Jr. (1749-1779) Captain of a South Carolina Regimental Company, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776.

Thomas Heyward Jr. (1746-1809) Elected to the Continental Congress, 1775-1778; Judge, 1783-1798.

Delegates from the State of Pennsylvania:

George Taylor (1716-1781) Ironmaster, Elected to the provincial Assembly, 1764-69; Member of the Committee of Correspondence, Committee of Safety,1773-76; Elected to Continental Congress, 1775-77.

James Smith (1719-1806) Lawyer

Benjamin Harrison (1726-1791) Farmer. Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses, 1764; Member of the Continental Congress, 1774-77; Reelected to House of Burgesses, 1777, Selected as Speaker, 1778; Elected Governor of Virginia, 1782-84, 1791.

Carter Braxton (1736-1797) Farmer. Virginia House of Burgesses, 1770-85; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774-75; Member, Virginia patriot's Committee of Safety, 1774; Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1776.

Francis Lightfoot Lee (1734-1797) Farmer. Member of the Virginia House of Burgesses 1758-75; Elected to Continental Congress, 1775-79, Member of Virginia Senate.

Thomas Nelson Jr. (1738-1789) Farmer. Member of the House of Burgesses, 1774; Virginia provincial Convention, 1775; Officer and Commander of the Virginia Militia, 1775...; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775-77, 1779; Elected Governor of Virginia, 1781.

Richard Henry Lee (1732-1794)Farmer, Justice of the peace, 1757; Virginia House of Burgesses, 1757; Continental Congress 1774; First U.S. Senator for Virginia, 1789.

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

America Seated Among The Nations (1780)By Jonathan Mason, Oration at Boston, March 5, 1780

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Re: Celebrating America's 232nd Birthday

Button Gwinnett (1735-1777)
Commander of Georgia's Continental Battalion, Elected to Continental Congress, 1776; President of the Georgia Council of Safety, 1777.

Lyman Hall (1724-1790)
Physician, Elected to Continental Congress, 1775; Delegate to the Georgia House of Assembly, Elected Governor of Georgia, 1783; Judge, 1785.

Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814)
Admitted to Massachusetts Bar, 1757; Elected to Provincial Assembly, 1770; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774, 1776; Attorney General for Massachusetts, 1777-1796; Judge, Supreme Court of Massachusetts, 1796-1804; State counselor, 1804.

Samuel Chase (1741-1811)
Practiced Law in Annapolis; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-1778; Chief Justice of Criminal Court, district of Baltimore; Chief Justice, state of Maryland, 1788-1796; Justice, US Supreme Court, 1796-1811.

Thomas Stone (1743-1787)
Lawyer, Admitted to the Maryland Bar, 1764; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1775-78, 1783; Elected to Constitutional Convention (declined), 1785.

William Paca (1740-1799)
Delegate to the Maryland Legislature, 1771; Member of the Committee of Correspondence, Patriot Leader; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-78, Chief Justice of Maryland, 1778; Elected Governor of Maryland, 1782; Federal District Judge for the State of Maryland, 1789-99.

Abraham Clark (1725-1794)
Land attorney; High Sheriff of Essex County, NJ.; Member of New Jersey Provincial Congress; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1776 ~1784.

John Hart (1711-1779)
Farmer, Member of the New Jersey Assembly, 1761-1771; Served on the Committee of Safety, Committee of Correspondence, 1775; Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Member of Provincial Assembly 1775; Elected to the Continental Congress, 1776.

Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791)
Lawyer, Judge, Author, Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776; Judge of admiralty for Pennsylvania, 1780; Appointed Judge to the US Court for the District of Pennsylvania, 1790.

Richard Stockton (1730-1781)
Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, 1774; Elected to Continental Congress, 1776

John Witherspoon (1723-1794)
President of College of New Jersey, 1768-1792; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776-1782; Twice elected to State Legislature of New Jersey.

Josiah Bartlett (1729-1795)
Physician, Judge, Delegate to Continental Congress, 1774-'87; Signed Declaration of Independence, 1776; Signed Articles of Confederation, 1777; State court Judge, Member of Federal constitutional convention, 1787; Elected Governor of New Hampshire.

Francis Lewis (1713-1802)
Merchant, Elected to the Continental Congress, 1775.

Lewis Morris (1726-1798)
Member of Provincial Legislature; Deputy to New York Convention, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775-77; County judge, Worcester, 1777; Served in New York Legislature, Member of the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York.

Philip Livingston (1716-1778)
Alderman, New York city; Delegate to the Albany Convention, 1754; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776; Later, State Senator in New York, Delegate to Federal Congress until 1778.

William Floyd (1734-1821)
Soldier; Member of Continental Congress of 1774-76; Member of Congress, 1789-91; State Senator, New York, 1808.

John Penn (1741-1788)
Law Practice in Virginia, 1762; Accepted to the North Carolina Bar, 1774; Member of Continental Congress, 1775-77, 1779-80; Member of the Board of War, 1780.

William Hooper (1742-1790)
Elected to General Assembly of North Carolina, 1773; Member of Continental Congress, 1774-1776; Judge of the Federal Court; 1786.

Joseph Hewes (1730-1779)
Member of the Colonial Assembly of North Carolina, 1766-75. Member of the Committee of Correspondence, member of new Provincial Assembly, 1775; Elected to Continental Congress, 1774-79, Defacto first Secretary of the Navy.

Arthur Middleton (1742-1787)
Charleston Council of Safety, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776.

Edward Rutledge (1749-1800)
State Legislator, Representative to the Continental Congress, 1774-76, 1779; Captain, Charleston Battalion of Artillery, 1776-1779; State legislator, 1782-1796; College of Electors, 1788, 1792, 1796; Elected Governor for South Carolina, 1798.

Thomas Lynch Jr. (1749-1779)
Captain of a South Carolina Regimental Company, 1775; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1776.

Thomas Heyward Jr. (1746-1809)
Elected to the Continental Congress, 1775-1778; Judge, 1783-1798.

George Taylor (1716-1781)
Ironmaster, Elected to the provincial Assembly, 1764-69; Member of the Committee of Correspondence, Committee of Safety,1773-76; Elected to Continental Congress, 1775-77.

James Smith (1719-1806)
Lawyer

Benjamin Harrison (1726-1791)
Farmer. Elected to Virginia House of Burgesses, 1764; Member of the Continental Congress, 1774-77; Reelected to House of Burgesses, 1777, Selected as Speaker, 1778; Elected Governor of Virginia, 1782-84, 1791.

Carter Braxton (1736-1797)
Farmer. Virginia House of Burgesses, 1770-85; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774-75; Member, Virginia patriot's Committee of Safety, 1774; Signer of the Declaration of Independence, 1776.

Francis Lightfoot Lee (1734-1797)
Farmer. Member of the Virginia House of Burgesses 1758-75; Elected to Continental Congress, 1775-79, Member of Virginia Senate.

Thomas Nelson Jr. (1738-1789)
Farmer. Member of the House of Burgesses, 1774; Virginia provincial Convention, 1775; Officer and Commander of the Virginia Militia, 1775...; Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1775-77, 1779; Elected Governor of Virginia, 1781.

America Seated Among The Nations (1780)
By Jonathan Mason, Oration at Boston, March 5, 1780