On this day, July 4, 2026, my photographer gets you caught up on his documented 1991 trip to the graves of all 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence with his good friend Bob Moldenhauer. Click on the links below to see Episodes 9, 10, and 11 of The Spirits of Independence – and you’ll be treated to the gravesites of 16 of the 56 Signers.
In Episode 9, the pair of historians visit the gravesites of William Paca, Caesar Rodney, George Read, and John Morton. It’s the story of Rodney, however, that highlights what their bravery and their fight for independence was all about. Oh, there are the far-left liberals of today who condemn Rodney because he was a slaveowner and claim his story should be stricken from the history books. While I agree slavery was a horrible part of our nation’s past and shouldn’t be forgotten, we must also move on – Caesar Rodney was much more than a slave owner. For those who can’t seem to look past the slavery issue, then leave the country as fast as you can and go somewhere better – slavery ended in this country 161 years ago. As a bobble head representing the great Thomas Jefferson, a slave owner himself, I am sick and damned tired of slavery always getting flung into our faces when some of our great Americans are celebrated. Let me say this one last time – this country would be so much better off today had slaves NEVER been brought to the shores of this continent. The United States of America has never been perfect – but try to find a better place on this planet. Quit bitching – or get the f*** out!
In Episode 10, Tom and Bob spend the day in the Cradle of American Liberty – Philadelphia. Not only do the pair get an unprecedented close-up look at the original inkstand used by 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence in the Assembly Room at Independence Hall, but they also visit the graves of eight of the brave patriots. Those eight are Robert, Morris, James Wilson, Francis Hopkinson, George Ross, Joseph Hewes, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas McKean. This is one of Tom’s YouTube episodes you won’t want to miss.
And lastly, in Episode 11, the Michigan-based good friends and traveling companions visit the graves of four more Signers – including George Clymer, John Witherspoon, Richard Stockton, and John Hart.
In your search for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness on this sacred day of American Independence, look no further than The Spirits of Independence. Thank you for your continued support and we’ll see you on the upcoming Episode 12 where Tom and Bob travel to New York City and spend time at the top of the World Trade Center only ten years before the Twin Towers were destroyed by terrorists.
