In the heart of the summer of 1776, as the fate of our nation hung in the balance, one man’s courage and determination would alter the course of history. As we continue in our study of the Declaration of Independence, let’s meet this unsung hero.
The Call for Independence
A little background about our first founding American document:
June 7, 1776- Richard Henry Lee proposes independence to the Second Continental Congress.
June 1776 – The Continental Congress advises the thirteen original colonies to adopt their own governments under the authority of the people.
June 15, 1776- Delaware declares its independence.
A Critical Vote: The Deadlock
Back to the Continental Congress- Here’s where the story gets interesting. Voting for independence from England reached a critical point. George Read, an avid supporter of independence, voted against it because he believed the process was moving too quickly. However, Thomas McKeon voted against independence. Now the Congress was in a dead-even split.
Caesar Rodney’s Daring Ride
July 1, 1776- Enter the hero of the story, Caesar Rodney of Delaware. He was absent during the voting for independence due to illness. He received word of the deadlock in voting and wasted no time. Caesar Rodney, an asthmatic, mounted his horse. He had to arrive in Philadelphia to cast his vote by morning.
He rode 80 miles in 18 hrs. straight. That’s not the best part. Our sight-impaired American hero rode through the hot summer night, in a thunderstorm, with a scarf around his face to hide the cancerous tumor in his eye.
The Vote That Changed History
July 2, 1776- Caesar Rodney made it on time, although unfashionably bedraggled after his all-nighter ride. The Continental Congress voted for independence. You and I are the beneficiaries of his love for our country.
Lessons from an Unsung Hero
This is the stuff real American heroes are made of. Until now, perhaps you have never heard of this American hero. We have so many courageous men and women, unsung heroes throughout our history, who sacrificed to give us our country. We are all familiar with the roles of Washington, Jefferson, and Madison in securing our independence. Still, few, if any, have heard of sight-impaired, asthmatic, freedom-loving, dedicated fellow citizen, Caesar Rodney, and his all-nighter for a cause greater than himself.
May we all draw strength from Caesar Rodney’s example as we strive daily to ensure the freedoms he sacrificed for, and which we now enjoy.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
Join the conversation! https://www.facebook.com/commonsensecivics
