Five signers were captured by the British as traitors. These were tortured before they died. Twelve signers had their homes ransacked and burned. Two signers lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army. Yet another signer had two sons captured. Finally, nine of the 56 signers fought and subsequently died from wounds or hardships received during the Revolutionary War. Indeed, as the last line of the Declaration states, the entire contingent pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
These heroes came from all walks of life. 11 were merchants. Nine were farmers or large plantation owners. Twenty-four were lawyers or jurists. But as they signed the Declaration of Independence, they did so knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Truly, liberty is a blessing.
This year, join me in remembering those Americans in harm's way on the front lines of freedom around the globe.
Ivy and I send you each of you our very best this Independence Day weekend.
John Oxendine
Governor 2010
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