Thread by @bradmeltzer

THREAD FOR #JULY4th and DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Here's the real story of the Declaration of Independence:
For 17 days, the thirty-three-year-old secluded himself in a rented room in Philadelphia.

On a small, portable desk, he began writing, laying the foundations of this new American government. Unlike every nation before it, this country’s heart would not beat with the blood of royal lines. This would be a nation based on ideals.

It took Thomas Jefferson seventeen days to find the right words. Seventeen days of writing and rewriting before he nervously presented his document to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.

The Declaration of Independence became the greatest decree in Western civilization.
Jefferson could’ve easily taken credit for writing it. But he never bragged about his accomplishment.

Even when he was elected president, most Americans never knew he was the author of their independence.

In fact, his authorship didn’t become common knowledge until years later after his death.

Because to Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence was written not just for all of America, but by all of America. It was the manifestation of a new nation and a new mind.

He was merely the messenger. ★
(from Heroes for My Son)

Healthy and happy July 4th to all!

"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."
—Thomas Jefferson 
 
#July4th #4thof July #FourthofJuly
#independence #America #redwhiteandblue #jefferson #heroes