"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."
These remarkable words close one of the most famous and sacred documents of human history, the Declaration of Independence. The men who signed this document, affectionately known as the Founding Fathers, pledged that they would sacrifice what is most dear to them for the cause of this revolution. For many of them, their dedication would be tried in the worst possible ways. Five were captured by the British and tortured to death, nine were killed at war, 12 were driven from their homes, and some lost sons in the war (Falwell). Some of these reputable men died in rags. Their literal sacrifices seem unbearable, but they never faltered.
They don't make them like the Founding Fathers anymore. How many people today do you think would hold true to the end when imminent death and ruin waited for them on the horizon? I would like to think that the men and women who serve our country in government positions would be made of the same caliber as those in the Revolution, but I'm not sure. Perhaps the leaders of today are strong in different areas. I'm not sure how many would honor their pledge to the extent of literal sacrifice, but I like to think that they work their hardest to do what they believe is best for the country. This may be an idealized and uncultured opinion, but I'd rather be idealistic than cynical in this instance. We need to have faith in our political leaders. And, if not in our leaders, then in that God who gives us breath. We must have faith that His hand is somewhat in the government today as it most definitely was in the founding of this country.
Falwell, Jerry. Recalling the Sacrifices of Our Founding Fathers. http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/7/3/184018.shtml.
No comments:
Post a Comment