231 years ago today, the 56 member 2nd Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence, which announced to Great Britain and the world that we would be a free and independent nation.  Those who signed the document knew that they could be hung for treason against Great Britain, yet sign they did.  In fact, several of them were captured and imprisoned by the British and most were badly treated during their imprisonment. 

On signing the Declaration John Hancock commented, "The British ministry can read that name without spectacles; let them double their reward," referring to his overly large flamboyant signature - and which led to the American phrase "just put your John Hancock down."  Future Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were also among the signers (as was the father of a future President - William Harrison) as were a large number of future senators, representatives and state governors.  Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer at the age of 70 and Edward Rutledge was the youngest at 26.

Some were lawyers, others were clergymen.  Still others were farmers and plantation owners and several were merchants.  All were highly educated.  Some went from the congress to fight in the war.  Others opened their home and lands for troops.  Some becamed educators (Thomas Wythe was the first professor of law at William and Mary College, with future Presidents among his students).  Francis Hopkinson was a Renaissance man and was one of the first well-known composers of songs.Some within a few years from illness, some lived for another fifty years (trivia - both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826 - exactly fifty years after the signing).  Some died wealthy and an amazing number died in poverty or great debt because of the beatings their livelihoods took during the war.

Thanks to these men and other men like them who believed in liberty and were willing to risk their lives in the cause of freedom. 

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