Sacred Honor

Just above the signatures is this sentence: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

The 56 men who signed this Declaration did so knowing that it could very well cost them their lives and fortunes. But to them, freedom was so much more important.

“Honor” means honesty and integrity in one’s beliefs and actions. When we promise something or make a commitment, we should do everything in our power to keep it. An honorable person does not say he believes one thing and then practice another. A person of honor is trustworthy and dependable.

One definition of “sacred” is “secured against violation or infringement as by reverence or sense of right.” The 56 signers were so convinced that God exists and that He gave us inalienable rights that they reverently committed themselves to securing those rights. By signing the Declaration, they painted targets on their backs, risking everything for the ideals of liberty.

Are we willing to make such sacred commitments to God, to our families, and to our fellow men? If not, why not?

“Always stand on principle, even if you stand alone.” --John Quincy Adams