Legend Of Unknown Patriot: The Man Who Inspired Founding Fathers

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Everybody knows the story of the Declaration of Independence. The Founding Fathers went to Philadelphia and asserted their freedom, but there was one anonymous man who inspired the delegates during the final push. This is the legend of the unknown patriot and how he continues to influence the United States.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from the Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce. Here's what President and CEO Mark Kleinschmidt wrote about Independence Day:

"When the Founding Fathers were meeting in Philadelphia in July of 1776[,] the weather was hot, maybe not as hot as we have experienced in the last few days. Even though they did not have air conditioning to help keep them cool[,] they spent several days debating the revolutionary concept of breaking away from England to become our own independent self-governing country.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be in the room on a hot July day and how they found the courage to vote ... to become a free and independent nation? Let me share a story about what happened in that room 245 years ago. It goes like this:

The 56 men that gathered in Philadelphia to issue the Declaration of Independence were taking a great risk[. In] fact by signing the Declaration they were committing treason which was punishable by hanging. The Founding Fathers knew they were at great risk for their actions, but they needed to move forward. Ben Franklin explained it best when he said, “We must all hang together or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

Many of the signers of the Declaration were political leaders, successful businessmen from Boston, New York and Philadelphia or farmers from Maryland, Virginia or South Carolina. As they moved closer to signing the Declaration and committing treason, they were somewhat hesitant. But according to a little-known legend, the actions, and words of one individual provided the last measure of strength that helped them move forward.

The legend says that as the 56 members debated, one man who was not a delegate but found his way into the hall and was sitting in the back rose and spoke. He cited the grievances that had brought them to this moment and finally, with his voice full of excitement and passion he said, “They may turn every tree into a gallows, every hole into a grave, and yet the words of that parchment can never die. To the mechanic in the workshop, they will speak hope; to the merchant in his shop, it means opportunity and freedom. Sign that parchment. Sign if at the next moment the noose is around your neck, for that parchment will be the textbook of freedom, the Bible of the rights of man forever."

The 56 delegates, swept up by his eloquence, moved ahead and approved that document. When they turned to thank him for his timely oratory, he was not to be found, nor could anyone be found who knew who he was or how he had come in or gone out through the locked and guarded doors.

The legend of the unknown patriot is the story of America. It has always been the “little guy”, the infantrymen and sailors, the high school teacher, the small business owner, the single mom and the EMTs. It’s the everyday [Americans] who have been the unsung heroes of America. They are the reason for our country’s survival and success.

The Declaration of Independence has provided our country and all our citizens a set of ideals and [a] framework for personal freedom that is priceless. Today[,] those ideals are being tested. If the last 245 years have taught us anything, it’s the fact that the core values of the Declaration of Independence are what has made us great. We have slowly learned that these values must be available to everyone.

So check out some of the great 4th of July activities and events throughout the County[. Take] a moment to refresh your commitment to our unalienable rights which include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Thanks to the Founding Fathers for finding the courage to sign the Declaration and thanks to the everyday Americans who have consistently stood up and spoken out to keep our country strong for 245 years.

Happy Birthday America!

Mark Kleinschmidt is the President/CEO of the Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce, which is located in Annapolis, MD."

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. Download our mobile application from the App Store or Google Play.

RELATED:

• Opinion: Capital Gazette Shooting Memorial Embodies 1st Amendment
• Opinion: Why Anne Arundel Businesses Join Chamber Of Commerce
• Anne Arundel Businesses Owned By Women, Minorities Can Get Help
• Opinion: Marylanders Don't Want To Work, That's Hurting Economy
• Outdoor Dining Could Stay Til Fall; Anne Arundel Economy Improves
• Small Business Week: Support Mom And Pop Shops In Anne Arundel
• New Sports Bar Opens At Maryland Live, Brings 100+ Jobs To County
• Beer At Theaters, Sports Gambling: Businesses React To New Laws
• Why Jackie Robinson Matters Now More Than Ever: Business Leader
• 3 Proposed Taxes Could Hurt Anne Arundel Businesses, Leader Says
• Coronavirus Aid Helps MD Businesses As Legislative Year Nears End
• Coronavirus Relief Sends $112 Million To Anne Arundel: Expert
• Renovated Golf Course Reopens, Expects Boom For Distanced Events
• 'American Pickers' To Film In Anne Arundel County: Report
• Economy Could Recover By End Of Year, Anne Arundel Businesses Say
• George Washington's Legacy Started In Annapolis, Leader Reflects
• Coronavirus Complicates MD Taxes: What To Know Before Filing
• Anne Arundel Faces 'New Normal' While Bridging Out Of Recession

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.