America FOUGHT, America WON!
Freedom's Words began with drafts of writing by Thomas Jefferson, a man 33 years young. Jefferson is declared the author of the Declaration of Indpendence and the Statue of Virginia for Religious Freedom, third president of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia. (Born April 13, 1743, at Shadwell, Virginia; died July 4, 1826, Monticello)
[The following information is excerpted from
Freedom’s Words
by Shirley Jordan, Special to The Times (Los Angeles Times).]
Thomas Jefferson looked at the papers in his
hand. He had written down the best words he could think of. Jefferson hoped the
other colonists would like those words.
The city of Philadelphia was warm that Monday morning, July 1, 1776.
Jefferson was there to meet with other men who wanted what he did -- freedom
from British rule. Delegates were arriving from every colony. Each colony would
have just one vote. . .
Part 2 / The story so far:
America's early leaders are meeting in Philadelphia. Will they agree to demand independence from Great Britain?
On Tuesday, July 2, 1776, John Hancock proudly called the Continental Congress to order. On Monday, the representatives had chosen him to be their chairman.
The patriots from South Carolina looked sleepy. They had talked most of the night. As morning dawned, they made a decision: South Carolina would change its vote to yes. . .
America's early leaders are meeting in Philadelphia. Will they agree to demand independence from Great Britain?
On Tuesday, July 2, 1776, John Hancock proudly called the Continental Congress to order. On Monday, the representatives had chosen him to be their chairman.
The patriots from South Carolina looked sleepy. They had talked most of the night. As morning dawned, they made a decision: South Carolina would change its vote to yes. . .
Part 3 / The story so far:
Each of the 13 colonies seems in favor of independence. How will they write down what they believe?
Each of the 13 colonies seems in favor of independence. How will they write down what they believe?
Wednesday, July 3, 1776 was another hot day. The delegates took their
seats. Now it was time for words -- freedom's words.
Thomas Jefferson pulled out the papers he had brought to Philadelphia. He
had worked hard on a first draft for this Declaration of Independence. The
Continental Congress had already met for two days. Now it was time to share his
words with the other patriots. . .
Part 4 / The story so far:
For three days, delegates from the 13 Colonies have argued over the words for the Declaration of Independence.
On Thursday, July 4, 1776, the members of the Continental Congress looked over what they had written. They changed more words. They crossed out more sentences. Thomas Jefferson frowned. He was tired of all the changes.
At last, the words were almost finished. They said the new nation would be free. No other nation would rule over America. . .
Part 4 / The story so far:
For three days, delegates from the 13 Colonies have argued over the words for the Declaration of Independence.
On Thursday, July 4, 1776, the members of the Continental Congress looked over what they had written. They changed more words. They crossed out more sentences. Thomas Jefferson frowned. He was tired of all the changes.
At last, the words were almost finished. They said the new nation would be free. No other nation would rule over America. . .
Part
5 / The story so far:
The words of the Declaration of Independence have been printed. John Dunlap and his helpers at the print shop have worked all night.
Early on July 5, 1776, riders on horseback waited to carry freedom's words to each Colony. Plans were made to read the document aloud in cities and towns.
On July 8, in Philadelphia, the Declaration of Independence was read in front of Pennsylvania's State House. The crowd cheered the words as the old bell in Philadelphia's tower rang. People began to call it the Liberty Bell. . .
The words of the Declaration of Independence have been printed. John Dunlap and his helpers at the print shop have worked all night.
Early on July 5, 1776, riders on horseback waited to carry freedom's words to each Colony. Plans were made to read the document aloud in cities and towns.
On July 8, in Philadelphia, the Declaration of Independence was read in front of Pennsylvania's State House. The crowd cheered the words as the old bell in Philadelphia's tower rang. People began to call it the Liberty Bell. . .
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| The Liberty Bell |
Can never see these great happenings too much. To read the beginnings of a country's freedom in the words of visionary's. How I would love to ask Thomas Jefferson what he thinks of today.
ReplyDeleteHe, as well as all of our forefathers, are for sure in this day and time rolling over in their graves!
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