Friday, July 4, 2014

DID YOU KNOW?

There were 56 signers to the Declaration of Independence.
  Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston comprised the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration. Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer, wrote most of the document.

John Hancock, President of the Second Continental Congress, was the first signer. This merchant by trade did so in an entirely blank space making it the largest and most famous signature — hence the term John Hancock, which is still used today as a synonym for signature.

Benjamin Franklin (age 70), who represented Pennsylvania, was the oldest of the signers.

Edward Rutledge (age 26), of South Carolina, was the youngest.

Two future presidents signed, John Adams (second President) and Thomas Jefferson (third President). Both died on the 50th anniversary of signing the Declaration (July 4, 1826).

usa.gov is a fascinating site with recipes, songs, and tons of interesting information about our country.


Hope your day is filled with fireworks, and parades, and picnics and all things wonderful!