Over Father’s Day weekend, I read from an old devotional book by Robert Strand entitled, Moments for Fathers. It’s a compilation of short stories that reinforce what fathers are by revealing the lives of famous and everyday men. He highlights qualities that make a great father and strong families.
One of those short stories is particularly appropriate coming off of Father’s Day and preceding the “Fourth of July” because it honors the sacrifice of America’s Founding Fathers. They were fathers not only of our nation, but also of their own children – and they made significant sacrifices for the sake of both. Consider this passage from the story:
“Have you ever wondered what happened to those men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the war of Independence, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war.
… Such were the sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: ‘For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.’”
As Independence Day approaches this weekend, I’d encourage you to read the full story (one version is available here) and consider the incredible sacrifices the Founders made to honor and establish our freedoms.
Today, those freedoms are under attack. Some seek to undermine the faith, freedom, and family values that our founding fathers fought for so valiantly. That’s why Family Policy Alliance is working diligently to preserve and protect those freedoms!
But we can’t do so without your support. In Rhode Island, we need $20,000 to reach our goal for the fiscal year ending September 30. Would you partner with us through a generous, sacrificial gift? In light of recent Supreme Court rulings, and all that’s happening in Rhode Island and around the country, it’s more important than ever that we partner together to stand for freedom. Will you join us?
Sincerely,
Dave Aucoin
Chairman, Board of Advisors – Rhode Island
