I’m assuming you have heard about the 56 people who signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 people, 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 56 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 Gen. George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt. John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed. For more than a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion.

Don’t forget to join us for the Fourth Annual Celebration of Freedom concert on Sunday morning, July 1 at 9 a.m. at the Reynolds Plantation Pointe Pavilion. It will be a wonderful celebration and we have alot to celebrate here at Lake Oconee. Hope to see you then. Wishing you much love and much light.

The Rev. David W. Key can be reached at (404) 727-6350 or dkey@emory.edu.