Tomorrow, we celebrate the independence of our country. While it is obvious that the freedoms we enjoy were purchased by the blood of those who fought, lawyers were the unsung patriots in 1776. Without lawyers, the fight for freedom may not have even started.

Unsung Patriots

Here are some interesting facts to consider:

1. Four of five 5 Declaration of Independence authors were lawyers. Thomas Jefferson is credited as the author of the Declaration of Independence, but there were actually five representatives charged to pen the document. The Continental Congress entrusted a “Committee of Five” with developing the Declaration, four of whom, Roger Sherman, John Adams, Robert Livingston and Thomas Jefferson, were lawyers. Only Benjamin Franklin was not a lawyer.

2. Two of the lawyer-authors would go on to be U.S. Presidents. Two of the lawyer-members of the Committee later became President of the United States: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Coincidentally, both men died within hours of each other on July 4th, 1826.

3. More lawyers signed the Declaration than any other profession. The National Archives has published a spreadsheet (PDF) of the representatives who signed the Declaration of Independence. The sheet also lists their occupation and while many occupied more than one parallel profession, 25 of the 56 signers were lawyers.

Without the Declaration of Independence, and the unsung patriots who stood up for the ideas expressed in it, we would not have the liberties that we enjoy. We’d like to challenge each of you to take a moment and read the Declaration of Independence, whether it is the first time, or the first time in a long time, for you to do so. Chances are that you will enjoy your holiday more and that you will be that much prouder to call yourself an American.

Five Tips to Safely Enjoy the Fourth of July Holiday

Of course, the holiday often enjoys travel, grilling, and outdoor recreation. Here are five tips to enjoy the Fourth safely:

1. Drive Safely. If you plan on drinking alcohol while celebrating, designate a driver to take you home responsibly.

2. Grill Safely. Make sure that your grill is kept a safe distance from your home or other buildings and that a fire extinguisher is close at hand. Make sure your meat is safe for grilling. Click here for additional tips.

3. Enjoy the water Safely. Make sure that your boats are properly licensed and that you have life jackets for everyone on the boat. Make sure the kids are safe while swimming. Click here for additional safety tips.

4. Bicycle Safely. Make sure that you have a properly fitted helmet and that it is used while you are on the road. Click here for additional bicycle safety tips.

5. Use Fireworks Safely. Click here for our previous post.

Office Closed

Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, and reopen on Friday, July 5th. Enjoy your freedoms and celebrate safely!