Freedom isn’t free. It cost a lot to those who signed the Declaration of Independence. Of the 56 signers, 17 lost their fortunes, 12 had their homes destroyed, 5 became prisoners of war, one had two sons imprisoned on the British Starving Ship Jersey, one had a son killed in battle, one had his wife die from harsh prison treatment, and nine signers died during the war. John Hancock, the first signer, said, “The price on my head has just doubled.” Would you have signed the Declaration of Independence? It was not a social media post you could put up anonymously. It was a commitment that could cost you your life, your family, and all you owned. As you continue to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, remember, freedom isn’t free.