The celebration of the independence of this great nation brings out the patriot in all of us. It is an opportunity to beat the drum, to wave the flag and proudly proclaim our unabashed love of our country. On this day citizens gather together on boats or shores, to the mountains and valleys for revelry of every imaginable size and shape.
Last year a friend, Andrea Walton, posted this sentiment on her Facebook page. It was so inspirational that we are passing it on for reflection. The source is American Profile.
“The Price of Freedom can be dear, as it was to many of those who dared sign their names to the document declaring this a free land. Below is an accounting of what their signatures cost some of our founding fathers.
Francis Lewis, New York: His wife was captured by the British in 1776 and later died as a result of her captivity. Lewis himself lived out his years in relative poverty, having sacrificed his independent fortune to the cause of patriotism during the War of Independence.
Phillip Livingston, New York: He and his family had to flee their home to escape the British army and never returned.
Lewis Morris, New York: His family fled the approaching British army, which plundered his estate, destroyed hundreds of acres of crops, and took his livestock.
John Hart, New Jersey: Hessians destroyed Hart’s farm, livestock, and other property. The hardships brought on by the destruction caused Hart’s wife to become sick, and she died as her husband was trying to reach her. Hart was forced to flee into the woods and slept in caves when the British troops invaded New Jersey. His children were forced into hiding and sought refuge with family and friends.
Richard Stockton, New Jersey: He was dragged from his bed by a group of royalists and imprisoned in New York, where he was denied basic necessities. He was finally released, but he had endured so much suffering that he never fully recovered. His fortune was nearly wiped out, his lands ruined, his papers and library were burned, and his livestock seized. For a while, he was forced to depend on the good will of his friends for survival.
George Clymer, Pennsylvania: His family eluded British soldiers who ransacked their house. Clymer was in Philadelphia during this time. When British troops arrived there, they found where he lived and started to tear the building down and only stopped when told the house didn’t belong to Clymer.
William Ellery, Rhode Island: His house was burned down and the rest of his property was destroyed while the British army occupied Newport.
Edward Rutledge, Arthur Middleton, and Thomas Heyward, South Carolina: All three were imprisoned at St. Augustine, Florida for almost a year.
Thomas Nelson Jr., Virginia: He lost his fortune aiding the war effort and died a poor man.
John Morton, Pennsylvania: On his deathbed, he asked those in attendance to tell his enemies—those who didn’t forgive him for voting in favor of independence—that one day it would be acknowledged that casting his vote was the most important act of his life.
Abraham Clark, New Jersey: Two of Clark’s sons were officers in the army. They were captured by the British and confined to the prison ship Jersey, where thousands of American captives died. One was held in solitary confinement and given no food. Reportedly, Clark still refused to change his position and support the crown when the British offered to spare his sons’ lives if he did so. His headstone reads:
Firm and decided as a patriot,
zealous and faithful as a friend to the public,
he loved his country, and adhered to her cause
in the darkest hours of her struggles
against oppression.”
Today there stands on the National Mall in Washington DC, a monument to the 56 Signers.
Each stone represents one of the signers, etched with a facsimile of their signatures.
These brave men, and so many others who have served this country and shed their precious blood, are the heralded heroes of our national celebration of freedom. Together we salute them.
Hilary will be celebrating with family and friends in Newport, Rhode Island, a town rich in colonial history.
Each year I am honored to celebrate the 4th on board one of the beautiful classic wooden yachts restored by dear friends Earl and Elizabeth McMillen. It is the perfect front row seat to watch the fireworks which are shot over Newport Harbor from the point at Fort Adams. We are all barefoot, to preserve the restored teak of the decks. I usually wear white jeans, but thought red was fun for this year’s festivities. I like to add a bit of color in a nod to the day. And these striped dresses are festive for any summer event. Add a fun pair of sunnies for the sunset, a sweater for the evening chill and I am ready for the show.
dresses: MDS Stripes Charlotte Gathered Striped Cotton-Jersey Md Dress $275 / MDS Stripes Rebeca Off-The-Shoulder Ruffled Striped Cotton- Jersey Midi Dress $295 tops: See By Chloé Ruffled Poplin And Cotton-Jersey Top $250 / Michael Michael Kors Embellished Ribbed Cotton-Blend Sweater $150 / Hunza G Seersucker Swimsuit $160 pants: 3X1 W4 Shelter Cropped High-Rise Flared Jeans $235 accessories: Hunting Season Clo Box Raffia And Leather Tote $525 / Illesteva Pamela Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses $220 shoes: Cergerie Idalie Raffia Platform Slides $350 / Gianvito Rossi Portofino 70 Patent -Leather Sandals $795
I will be in full swing at Mashomack Preserve Club with dinner, dancing and fabulous fireworks over Halcyon Lake. White is my go-to shade for summer with its fresh, nostalgic appeal. The jewelry is by ASHA, a brand that I have been wearing all season. White shoes are spot on trend this season and these three will take you anywhere with style.
dresses: A.L.C. Cassidy Flounce Bell-Sleeve Dress $495 / Kate Spade New York Ruffled Neck Dress $398 accessories: Soleil Mother of Pearl Earrings $395 / Sabina Chandelier Earrings $495 / Flower Cuff Bold Mother Of Pearl Cuff $495 / Kayu Star Straw Pouch $74 shoes: Jimmy Choo Leather Wedge $450 / Stuart Weitzman Back Wedge Leather Sandal SALE $249 / Schutz Leia Leather Sandal $180
Wherever you roam for this treasured holiday we remember all of those who fought and continue to fight for our precious freedom.
God Bless America
