have never sewn a flag before, I would be willing to give it a try.
Might I make some suggestions on your design?ROBERT MORRIS: Absolutely. Please do.BETSY: Well… the stars have six points… I would recommend 5 points.
A five point star looks better, I think. Let me show you… I will
just cut a star from this material I have right here… as you can see
it is very easy to do, it can be done in just one single snip.GEORGE WASHINGTON: Oh! That is impressive! Look at that beautiful
star! 5 points it shall be! I know we have made the right choice
here.
BETSY: Also, I believe that the flag should be probably one-third
longer than its width. Let me draw it out… more like this… see?
ROBERT MORRIS: Indeed. That is better.
BETSY: And the stars just seem to be scattered around… I think
putting them in a line or perhaps a circle would be better.
GEORGE WASHINGTON: If we used a circular pattern, then it would not
in any way allow one colony to be viewed above another.
ROBERT MORRIS: I think the committee will be agreeable to those
changes.
GEORGE WASHINGTON: Let the 13 stars in a circle stand as a new
constellation in the heavens!
BETSY: I will get to work on your flag right away, gentlemen. It
should only take me a few days.
GEORGE ROSS: Betsy, we should mention that the committee wanted to
select a few seamstresses to sew flags… with some different designs
and then they will select the one that they like the best.
BETSY: I understand. There is no expectation on my part that you
will choose mine.
GEORGE WASHINGTON: But from what I have seen already today, I am
confident that this will be the one. Good day Mrs. Ross.
BETSY: Good day.
SCENE ENDS cast exits
THE VOTE SKETCH: (done in Reader’s Theater style)
HANCOCK: Dickinson of Pennsylvania has spoken very eloquently and is
clearly against independence. Will we hear from anyone else? (long
silence till John Adams finally stands) The chairman recognizes John
Adams.
JOHN ADAMS: Before God, I believe the hour has come. My judgment
approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have,
and all that I am, and all that I hope in this life, I am now ready
here to stake upon it. And I leave off as I began, that live or die,
survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living
sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment,
Independence now, and Independence for ever!
JOHN WITHERSPOON: (Entering with mud on his face) Gentlemen!
HANCOCK: The chair recognizes John Witherspoon. Well, barely
recognized with mud all over his face… (they chuckle)
JOHN WITHERSPOON: Sorry to be late. New Jersey is ready to vote
for independence. In our judgment, the country is not only ripe for
independence, but we are in danger of becoming rotten for the want
of it, if we delay any longer.
HANCOCK: As you know, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposed that
Congress make a declaration of Independence, and it was seconded by
John Adams; and a committee was formed to draw up a draft of the
proposed declaration. The committee consists of Ben Franklin, John
Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston and Thomas Jefferson. We
will continue to look it over and make any significant changes. If
there is no other discussion, then let us proceed to the vote.
____________________________
Dear Abigail, I write to you again on this same day. The day on which
the Declaration was passed: it will be the most memorable…in the
history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It
ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts
of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and
parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and
illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this
time forward forevermore.
You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not.
I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will
cost to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these
States. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing
light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the
means.
John Adams
What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only
that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a price
upon its goods, and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an
article as freedom should not be highly rated.
Thomas Payne
The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time. The
Bible is the cornerstone of liberty.
Thomas Jefferson
God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready
to guard and defend it.
Daniel Webster
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