TERRE HAUTE —
Of all the national holidays Americans celebrate, July 4th — Independence Day — sports the most essential link to the country’s shared history and ideals.
Yet, beyond the obvious, how much do we really know about that critical moment in time that launched a nation?
Fact 1: July 4, 1776, the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress.
Fact 2: The Declaration triggered the Revolutionary War.
OK. Anyone care to expand on those?
Sure, lots of people know more. But let’s admit it, knowledge gets more sparse the more you drill down into the details.
This time of year, I am always reminded of one of my favorite trivia questions. It goes like this: What are the first seven words of the Declaration of Independence?
The answer may come easy to some, but you’d be amazed how many people, when posed with the question, quickly provide what they think is the obvious answer: “We the people of the United States …”
Right idea, but wrong document. Those are the opening words to the preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
I’ll give you the answer shortly, but astute readers will have already found the answer elsewhere on this page.
Meanwhile, I’ll give you a chance to redeem yourselves. Back in the ’90s, when I was writing a weekly column for the Tribune-Star’s Metro section, I developed what I called a game of “Firecracker Trivia”, 10 questions with an Independence Day theme. See how many you can get …
1. Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?
2. What signature appearing on the Declaration is much larger than the others?
3. What British king was the subject of the Declaration’s scorn?
4. Which two signers of the Declaration would later become president of the United States?
5. In what city did the Continental Congress meet to draft and sign the Declaration?
6. What issue divided the Continental Congress so bitterly that all references to it had to be stricken from the document in order for unanimous adoption to occur?
7. Who was the oldest signer of the Declaration?
8. Who were the two youngest signers?
9. Who was the last surviving signer? (Hint: He died in 1832.)
10. How many eventual states were represented at the Continental Congress that adopted the Declaration?
Some of those questions are quite easy. But I doubt many of you got them all. Let’s see how you did.
The answers are: 1. Thomas Jefferson; 2. John Hancock; 3. King George III; 4. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson; 5. Philadelphia; 6. slavery; 7. Benjamin Franklin; 8. Thomas Lynch Jr. and Edward Rutledge, both of South Carolina. They were 26 years old; 9. Charles Carroll of Maryland. He was 95 when he died; 10. 13.
So, have you found the first seven words of the Declaration on this page? They are the opening line of today’s editorial on this page. “When in the course of human events …”
There is nothing trivial, of course, about the Declaration of Independence and all it stands for, or the people who made it happen. That’s what makes this day so special. I hope you enjoy it.
Max Jones can be reached at (812) 231-4336, or by email at max.jones@tribstar.com.
Opinion
MAX JONES: What do you know about that founding Declaration?
- Opinion
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RONN MOTT’S MINUTE: Robins
I’m sure you know the American bird is the Bald Eagle and I’m sure you know it almost didn’t get that job.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 29, 2012
• ‘Laboring in a rut of Darwinism’
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LIZ CIANCONE: Avoiding the heat no puzzle to Indy the dog
When it gets this hot, I’m with my eldest granddog, Indy. We both look for a room with a ceiling fan. She also demands that the room have a tile floor to cool both bottom and top. She has the floor of course, but there is a cool corner for me in a comfortable chair and a small table for my ice water.
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EDITORIAL: Saluting his sacrifice
If you need a new reason to reflect upon the historic meaning of Memorial Day, let the ultimate sacrifice that Arronn D. Fields made a week ago today be your inspiration.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 28, 2012
• Veterans, especially from WWII, deserve our lasting thanks
• All Bibles agree on ‘Golden Rule’
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MARK BENNETT: Stuck in the middle with you
Thank goodness, members of Congress do not drive in the Indianapolis 500.
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EDITORIAL: Remembering Henryville
In the era of instant communication, the past seems to arrive much quicker.
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FLASHPOINT: Is this really the best we can do?
As you know if you pay attention to national affairs, the United States faces a perfect fiscal storm at the end of this year.
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BRIAN HOWEY: Climbing the Ladder: 51 percent of the population in Indiana is female, and 31 of the 150
It was, utterly, one of the most painful political episodes I have ever had to watch as a political writer.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 27, 2012
• Alaska connection vital to Hoosiers who love wildlife
• Commissioners sell out Woodgate
• Same-sex marriage equalizes for all
• Mourdock can’t compromise on taxes
• Sweet lessons on ‘Lemonade Day’
• African Americans, slavery and Islam
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READERS' FORUM: May 25, 2012
• Mayor, Republic solve trash issue
• Negative ads pervert politics
• VCSC team gives all-star response
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RONN MOTT’S MINUTE: Confused
I am confused. For those who know me, that is not an unusual state. But, while listening to a political commercial on TV, I heard the announcer say the candidate was “real conservative.” If he is a “real conservative,” is someone not quite a “real conservative” an “unreal conservative”?
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EDITORIAL: Towering response
It comes as incredibly sad news that a Garfield Towers resident has succumbed as the result of a fire last week at the northside apartment complex.
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READERS' FORUM: May 24, 2012
• Cartoon unfunny, insults disabled
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MARK BENNETT: 500 history runs in her veins, but she’ll pass on the buttermilk
Katy Balch appreciates tradition. The 20-year-old from Terre Haute understands how neatly her role as one of 33 Indianapolis 500 princesses fits her family.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 23, 2012
• The rule of the ‘government czar’
• Promises often don’t prove noble
• Smoking not going away soon
• Primary voting gets it wrong
• Where’s the pride in our parks?
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RONN MOTT’S MINUTE: GSA Debacle
The recent General Services Administration debacle is enough to gag a whale.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 22, 2012
• Try a new approach to control drugs
• Our president is ruining the USA
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LIZ CIANCONE: She wasn’t hooked by the fishing hobby
I’m told that eveyone should have a hobby. If “hobby” means collecting something like stamps or coins, I don’t have one.
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news
• Cream of the crop
• Keep the ideas flowing
• Remembering fallen officers
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READERS’ FORUM: May 21, 2012
• Some still don’t understand presence of pervasive racism
• Thanks for help in emergency
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EDITORIAL: Hazards of the spring abundant now on I-70
A major holiday weekend is approaching. The weather has been consistently inviting for travel and outdoor activity. Gas prices are even inching downward.
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MARK BENNETT: Roadway Role Models: Adults need to remember habits often rub off on teens
Plenty of dads connected with a car ad that first aired on TV two years ago.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 20, 2012
St. Ann’s gives thanks to those who supported its mission
No deception, just GOP spin
Disdain for only liberals
Writer doesn’t know the Bible
Flawed primary discourages voters
Recognition was much appreciated
Who’s fanning marriage issue?
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FLASHPOINT:Bipartisan vs. Nonpartisan
During the primary election season there was much discussion regarding whether bipartisanship is a positive or negative attribute as it relates to the work of the United States Congress.
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EDITORIAL: Embrace the Sycamores
Terre Haute should understand the rarity of an opportunity to celebrate a championship.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 18, 2012
• Romney imperfect, but better option
• Great support for Strassenfest
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RONN MOTT’S MINUTE: ‘Political Super Pacs’
The Supreme Court has told us it is not constitutional to restrict how much money someone can put into a super political action committee.
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EDITORIAL: Good choice for stability
For the first time in 25 years, Indiana will have a new chief justice for its Supreme Court. For those who value stability on the state’s highest court — and we count ourselves among those who do — the appointment Tuesday of longtime Justice Brent Dickson is good news.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 17, 2012
• Don’t ignore what GOP won’t tell you
• Scotties help keep neighborhood tidy
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