WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) released the second video in his “Crenshaw’s Classroom” video series targeted toward students learning from home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The four-part video series provides a brief synopsis of little-known stories of American history that students may not have learned as part of their regular curriculum.
The first video in the series released last week recounted the story of the American flag that became known as “Old Glory.” Click here to watch the first video.
The second video in the series released today highlighted the story of Thomas Lynch, Jr., the 26-year-old signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Click here or on the image above to view Crenshaw’s video. A full transcript of the video is included below.
Hey kids
Congressman Crenshaw here again.
Sorry for interrupting your scrolling once again, but I have another story for you.
Last week, I told you about the Story of Old Glory. If you missed that video, you can find it on my website at crenshaw.house.gov.
This one is about someone not much older than you who participated in one of the most pivotal moments in American history. If you ever think you’re too young to make a difference, this video might change your mind.
Here’s the Story of the 26-year-old who signed the Declaration of Independence.
You probably know the names Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Benjamin Franklin.
All were famous Founding Fathers of our great country and signers of the Declaration of Independence.
But I bet you have never heard the name “Thomas Lynch, Jr.”
Thomas Lynch, Jr. also signed the Declaration of Independence. But there is one thing that separates Thomas Lynch, Jr. from his fellow signers – his youth.
Samuel Adams was 53 when he signed the document. Benjamin Franklin was 70. Thomas Lynch, Jr. was just 26-years-old.
That’s 10 years younger than I am right now, and I am very very young!
What?! I am young!
OK, but seriously, Thomas Lynch Jr. was a very impressive 26-year-old.
Lynch Jr. – a South Carolina native – was chosen as a commander of the First South Carolina Regiment in the Revolutionary War.
In 1776, the South Carolina Assembly named Lynch Jr. to the Continental Congress – the group of delegates from the 13 colonies who helped form the government of the United States as we know it today.
Thomas Lynch, Jr. and his father – Thomas Lynch, Sr. – were the only father/son combo to serve in the Continental Congress.
When his father became severely ill in Philadelphia, Thomas Lynch, Jr. – at just 26 years old – signed one of the most important documents in American history: the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence is vital because it tells us what the purpose of government is. To protect our inalienable rights - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Thomas Lynch, Jr. – not much older than you and your classmates – fought for American independence, helped form the foundation of our great country, and signed his name on a document that still guides the mission of the United States government to this day.
Just three years after signing the Declaration, Thomas and his wife set sail for Europe in search for new opportunities. Tragically, the ship disappeared at sea and the young signer of the Declaration was never seen again.
But you can still get a glimpse of Thomas Lynch, Jr.’s legacy. His signature – though tremendously faded – still rests on the historic document displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
I hope you can visit the nation’s capital and see the Declaration of Independence. Look for the signature of Thomas Lynch, Jr. and remember the story of the 26-year-old signer of the transformative document just a few feet in front of you.
Thanks for listening.
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