Constitution Day

Daniel Carroll (July 22, 1730 – July 5, 1796) was a politician and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a prominent member of one of America's great colonial families that included his cousin Charles Carroll of Carrollton who signed the Declaration of Independence, and his brother John Carroll who was the first Catholic bishop in the United States. He was one of only five men to sign both the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of the United States.

On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created. I am so proud that my ancestors were a part of the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. Both Daniel and Charles Carroll of Carrollton played integral parts in the founding of our government that we use today. I have written on previous posts about how my great, great (etc.) grandfather Charles signed the Declaration of Independence, but I failed to mention that his cousin Daniel was also involved in putting the Constitution together. I wonder if they knew at the time what a huge part of American history they were creating?

In honor of Constitution Day, the kid's school wanted everyone to wear red, white and blue. Mr. K and I joined in on the patriotic gesture, too. A lot has changed in American politics, especially over the past several months. But one thing will always remain the same~ our freedom and independence, and the great document that paved the way for what America is today... at least that is what I hope for.

Freedom of Speech

How have you liked my blog lately?

Please give me some feedback. I have written about a few new things recently. These topics include some of my family heritage, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence from my great (etc) grandfather (pictured above), Charles Carroll of Carrollton and the writing of my great grandmother's (Bess Carroll Brendel) historical novel, "That's the Way It Was" which has a spot in the Library of Congress. In her book, my great-grandma (Nonna B) talks about her childhood growing up on a big plantation, Old Chesterfield. All of this is part of my family legacy and American history, and as some say, "it is what it is" (or was). I have taken a huge interest in my family roots currently.


Yet, this is an e-mail I received from a fellow writing friend:

"...sensitivity to discretion was lost on some of your recent posts."

I am truly sorry if I have offended anyone. I was simply trying to share a little information of my family, and the major roles they played in this nation's history. A nation that our forefathers hoped would remain independent and free of socialism. I am a conservative person who was raised to "keep my mouth shut and opinions to myself" as any Southern belle would do. Well, I have finally found a way to speak out- through my writing. Ironically, the very person who made the above comment is the same one who has given me courage to speak out, and I am grateful to her for that!

I am proud this country allows us freedom of speech and thought. So feel free to speak your mind, too, on my comments...can't wait!