A Founder's Birthday

If you ask me, Benjamin Franklin born 305 years ago today is the Rodney Dangerfield of the Founding Fathers.

Sure, his contribution to our nation’s history is acknowledged some.  After all,  his face is on the one hundred dollar bill, but how often do you pull one of those out of your wallet?


Still, he doesn’t seem to get  quite as much respect as other American statesmen like Washington, Jefferson, Adams or Madison; this despite the fact that his vocations and avocations included printer, librarian, journalist and inventor, in addition to politician.


Did you know, for example, that Benjamin Franklin was the only Founding Father to sign all five documents that established American independence: the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with France, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, and the Constitution of the United States of America?


So, how sad is it then that when our family made the trip to Philadelphia a couple of summers ago, we failed to really focus on Mr. Franklin? Instead we were taken by some of the other sites and famous figures.


Like

The Liberty Bell, of course.

and

My daughter and niece "contemplating" The Signers. 

Of course, we went to Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center and we did stop to pause at his burial site at Christ Church, but regrettably I didn’t take a photo of that.  (And as an aside, might I add that there’s nothing like starting a blog to realize how poorly you have documented your family’s life).


Today I say, thank you for your service to our fledgling country, Mr. Franklin.  Where would would be without you and Happy Belated Birthday!