07/02/2026
"Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."
The Lee resolution most likely was read aloud in Independence Hall on July 2nd 1776 by on John Hancock. In 1762 Hancock took his Degree in Merchants Lodge No. 277 in Quebec. By 1764 He inherited a shipping business from his uncle which helped amass a large profit to live off. He returned to Boston and joined the Lodge of St. Andrew. He attended lodge meetings with Paul Revere and Joseph Warren.
Hancock served as President of the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1777. He managed thirteen arguing colonies. He led the wartime government. Congress raised armies and debated independence under his direction. He funded the Congress with his personal money.
Two days later a more eloquent document would be produced for the public, the Declaration of Independence. One of Nine Freemasons signed the document. Hancock wrote his name in the center of the page. Now a term of Colloquialism for someone’s signature because of how large it was compared to the other representatives.
The United States celebrates 250 years of independence this year. Hancock risked his wealth and life to build a new nation.