Prof. Boerner's Explorations

As we approach the celebration of the 4th of July American Independence Day festivities, we believe that this is a good time to reflect on how and why we became a new nation over two hundred years ago. To a great extent, it had to do with the abuses of the British colonial system AND the presence at that point in time of great men of vision — the Founding Fathers.

Last year we posted an extensive series on the American Revolution. We will draw upon some of those posts again this year, but with more emphasis on the specific roles selected Founding Fathers played in the quest for independence. Today we will examine the contributions of that American “Renaissance Man” who was a scientist, scholar, printer, diplomat, and general “grandfather” type, Benjamin Franklin.

We hope that you will follow us through this exploration and come out with a renewed respect for our great struggle in those years in the 18th century. GLB

[ This is Part 7 of 10. ]

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On that July 2nd so many years ago, brave men sat in that lonely hall in Philadelphia. Before them was a document drafted by a committee that included Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. What document was this? None other than a declaration that the American colonies were a country independent from the British crown.

Those men faced death for this act of treason. But that did not deter them from signing the document. One of the delegates from Delaware had returned home to perform his civic duties; Caesar Rodney received a note from fellow delegate indicating that a vote would be taken and the document sign on July 2nd.

Despite his weariness, he mounted his horse and commenced the long ride to Philadelphia so that he could participate in the debate and signing of the Declaration of Independence.

We all need to think about those times that we have been called upon to respond to a crisis at a moments notice. Let us, like those patriots of old, be ready to put our lives on the line for the freedom and independence of this country of ours.  GLB

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