Independence Day |
| 232 years after that fateful, worthy day in 1776, we often find it easy to overlook the courage and conviction of our founding fathers.
Today, most people won't even put their jobs at risk, let alone their lives. By all rights, those people should be humiliated and ashamed when they consider the courage of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. What happened to those courageous men after they pledged to risk all for freedom? Our founders understood that they were indeed pledging "to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." These were people with much to lose, and many did. The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence were patriots, important in the affairs of their local communities and governments. Ages ranged from 26 (Rutledge) to 70 (Franklin). They were, for the most part, prosperous. Nine were wealthy farmers or landowners and 24 were lawyers or judges. Their ranks included the colonies' most respected doctors, educators, and clergymen; elite but not elitists. They had much to lose-life, liberty, and property-but they knew the cause justified the risk. While they signed that fateful document, the British fleet, dozens of ships with 42,000 sailors and soldiers, was off the coast waiting to crush the patriots. Behind that fleet were the wealth and power of the British Empire. Arrayed against this might was an army of 10,000 men and a few poorly equipped and untrained militias. Few who knew history would have predicted anything but failure for the colonial forces in 1776. Disaster and ruin was the lot for many signers. Nine died of wounds or hardships during the war. Five were jailed and tortured. One lost all 13 children; the wives, sons, and daughters of others were killed, imprisoned, harassed, and deprived of their possessions. Seventeen signers lost everything. All were hunted down as traitors and most were separated from homes and families. Please note: No signer ever betrayed his pledged word. There were no defectors. No one changed his mind. Many lost lives and fortunes, but none sacrificed sacred honor. Half continued to serve the country after the war-several as President, many as members of Congress, governors, and state legislators. Many went on to write the Constitution of the United States. Now, what about today? Where do the decent people who should be standing up and taking action against evil hide? Do they care enough to speak up, let alone risk something for their convictions? If they don't care, then I don't care about them. If they are afraid, well, that's too bad. My father was afraid when he waded ashore at Normandy, when he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and when he lay dying of cancer when I was seven and my brother was four—knowing he wouldn't see his sons grow up. He put principles and duty above personal safety and did the right thing despite the fear. Sometimes there's something more important than living a few more days; I pity those who don't know that and who live in the shadows, paralyzed by fear and unwilling to bet it all on what they know is right. They are but empty shells who will never know their potential greatness. Let us remember the words of Thomas Paine in "The Crisis": "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." I don't suggest we can hope to measure up to those giants. But is it possible that, by recognizing their greatness and calling on our inner strength and dedication and with the help of God, each of us can aspire to bask for a moment or two in that light. - Charles H. Collins, Jr., Vice-chairman, NASAA Board of Directors |
The National Army Security Agency Association (NASAA) An organization dedicated to preserving the history, memories, and friendships derived from serving in the ASA during the years of its existence 1945 - 1976. We watched and listened around the world and served in countless countries. INSCOM soldiers are eligible for full membership in the NASAA. We passed the flag to INSCOM in 1976. May they preserve our fine heritage and tradition of service. |
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