Mike Smith:
Marilyn, you titled your book, For You They Signed. Why? What did motivate these men, and what was at stake in their decision to sign the Declaration of Independence?

Marilyn Boyer:
Mike, when these 56 men signed their names to the Declaration, King George ordered his soldiers to find and execute them. At the time that they signed, the British soldiers were just actually miles away from the homes of several of the New York signers. And they knew that they were there, but they courageously placed their signatures on the document.

They all knew that if they were captured, they would die the death of a traitor. John Adams, on the eve of the signing, wrote to his wife Abigail, “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this declaration and support and defend these states. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means.”

They were laying their lives down, their fortunes, and their sacred honor—on the line for us, for you and me, for their posterity.

You know, when our children truly understand that their freedom was purchased at a high cost, they learn to value it more deeply and commit every fiber of their beings to defending it today.

Mike:
Marilyn, the story of the signers of the Declaration of Independence is truly inspiring. Thanks for telling it. Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.

If you’ve appreciated Marilyn Boyer’s discussion of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, we invite you to join us for her live webinar on this topic, next week on HSLDA’s @home e-vents!

Marilyn will be presenting this interactive e-vent Wednesday, July 8. Register for the live e-vent. The cost of this e-vent is $9.99. Marilyn’s presentation will be available to purchase and watch at our archive 2–3 days after the live e-vent. Space is limited—register today!