I realize we don’t celebrate this day like we do the 4th of July, but nonetheless I am surprised at how little people seem to know about it.
On September 17, I asked 7 or 8 of my friends and acquaintences a few simple questions. (Notice they weren’t all ‘friends’ or you would have expected them to be as patriotic as I am.)
The people I asked were young or old, white or black, educated or not so educated, as a sampling of our population. One of those was even an ex-Congressman.
Constitution Day is coming up on September 17. The Constitution of the United States was unanimously (at the request of Benjamin Franklin) adopted by the People of the United States, through their representatives to the Constitutional Convention on that date in 1787.
Fifty-five wise and noble men put their all into the creation of that immortal document. Among these wise men, two were indispensable, or absolutely essential to its adoption. Without George Washington, the Father of Our Country, and James Madison, the Father of the Constitution, our U. S. Constitution would never have been created.
I was in the food line at a cafeteria the other day when I was disturbed by a raucous, bellicose, guffaw. For those of you who are not close to your dictionary, that means there was an outbreak of loud laughter. I immediately said to myself what kind of a buffoon would resort to such a boorish, rude behavior? It reminded me of that particular rule George Washington had learned as a youth when his tutor was stressing penmanship, and allowing George to learn certain rules of social conduct as he practiced his writing skills. The one I recalled said something like: “laugh not too loud or long in company (or public, or something like that).”
We celebrate Independence Day in America on July 4. And rightly so, since that is the day that the official document creating our Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, in effect making America a new nation. Independent from Great Britain, and all other nations on the earth.
While we remember this day with celebrations and festivities, did you know that only 2 members of that Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on that date? It’s true. Only the President of the Continental Congress, John Hancock, and the secretary signed their names on July 4, 1776. Then the formal document was sent out to be “engrossed”, or printed by hand in beautiful clear graphic letters by a professional in that business.
It would be interesting to hear what Thomas Jefferson would have to say about his country now, 235 years after he penned his immortal document, The Declaration of Independence. I believe in some ways he would be pleased. In others he would be chagrined and very disappointed.
He didn’t become a player on the national stage like George Washington or Thomas Jefferson. But he did serve in the House of Burgesses with both of them. And one of them, Thomas Jefferson, said that the speech given by this Founding Father, on his fifth day of membership in that House lit the flame in him that let him know that the colonies were on their way to Independence. His name is Patrick Henry. His last resting place is at Red Hill in Virginia.
Thomas Jefferson’s home – Monticello
Thomas Jefferson loved classical architecture and he loved to tinker and invent. Today he’d be Bill Gates. If you haven’t seen President Jefferson’s home you’ve missed out on a lot. If you ever get a chance, go and visit Monticello.
James Madison’s home – Montpelier
What a wonderful sight to see the window to the study where the Father of the Constitution did his research. That research which eventually led to the drafting and signing of that marvelous document upon which the new nation, The United States of America was founded. You can see that window of the upstairs study, just over the front door to the mansion. Just watch this video.
http://www.BooksByStevenAllen.com Patrick Henry and his wife Sarah (he called her "Sally") lived for a few years at ScotchTown. Sally became mentally and physically ill and died here. But do you know the rest of the story?
With Labor Day quickly approaching, I thought maybe you’d enjoy some favorite quotes from some of the Founding Fathers (and a few others) relating to labor.
“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin
“Success has ruined many a good man.” Benjamin Franklin
“The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.” Benjamin Franklin
“Commerce and industry are the best mines of a nation.” George Washington
“The private virtues of economy, prudence, and industry are not less amiable, in civil life, than the more splendid qualities of valor, perseverance, and enterprise, in public life.” George Washington