Freedom wasn't cheap!

Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families.

Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured.

Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships
sunk by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts
and died in poverty.

At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson's home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly ordered
General George Washington to open fire on his own home.
The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed.
For over a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find
his wife dead and his children gone. He died a few weeks later.

GOD BLESS AMERICA