Jon Kyl, June 27, 2003

The Fourth of July evokes the names of some great historical figures - among them Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. Though most people know that Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence - signed July 4, 1776 -- I’d guess that fewer Americans recall that a committee of five people was actually delegated to craft that crucial document. While Adams and Franklin remain familiar names, somewhere along the way history sort of brushed aside the other two contributors to Jefferson’s work: Roger Sherman and Philip Livingston.

Roger Sherman, of Connecticut, started out as a shoemaker, taught himself to become a lawyer without any formal education, then was elected to Congress and the U.S. Senate. He was regarded as one of the most important and dedicated delegates to the Continental Congress, respected for his integrity, hard work, and common sense. Pointing him out in a crowd, Jefferson once said, "That is Mr. Sherman of Connecticut, a man who never said a foolish thing in his life."

Philip Livingston, of New York, born to privilege, was one of the founders of the prestigious King’s College, now known as Columbia University. Despite widespread sympathy for the British monarchy among his peers in the state, he was an early advocate of independence. Livingston co-wrote an address of rebuke to England - parts of which would clearly echo in the Declaration of Independence’s grievances against King George III. Even though he was near death, Livingston still insisted on attending the first sessions of the Continental Congress - working to the last to preserve the ideals to which he dedicated his life.

It’s one of history’s puzzles that some patriots are exalted - Paul Revere, for one -- while others are largely lost to memory - such as William Dawes and Samuel Prescott. Dawes and Prescott also made the dangerous "midnight ride" warning of the approach of British troops that has won Revere such fame. (Actually, Revere was captured before he finished the ride to Concord. Prescott was the only one of the three to actually make it all the way.)

Of course, most Americans don’t serve their country and community expecting glory. They act instead out of a dedication to one another.

From volunteers at a senior center in Eloy to the good work of the Mesa Rotary to mobile health-service centers for homeless children operated by Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Arizona is replete with examples of quiet commitment to one’s fellow citizens.

We help each other in times of need. This Fourth of July sadly provides us with yet another example. The horrific "Aspen" fire at Mt. Lemmon, which has destroyed hundreds of homes and burned thousands of acres, is bringing out the best in many residents of that community.

They have vowed to rebuild whatever the fire destroys. Courageous fire fighters and volunteers are attempting to safeguard homes and evacuate residents. As befits a compassionate people, their fellow Arizonans are donating clothing, shelter, and food to those suddenly homeless and displaced.

The Tucson Citizen recently published a story about children - one of them was only 8 - who volunteered to help a local radio station sell "lemonade for Lemmon Aid," with all proceeds going to relief efforts.

It was a small but touching moment, and it probably lifted more than a few spirits.

Millions of Americans every day -- in ways large and small -- demonstrate acts of quiet patriotism and compassion. Most will never be in the history books. Few will appear on the television news. Some will never be thanked. But each contribution evinces the quality of character that, in the words of President Bush, makes Americans "citizens, not subjects." That spirit of citizenship drives our achievements, braces us against adversity, and makes America a very special place.

Happy Independence Day!

Jon Kyl is a Republican senator from Arizona.