The Freedom From Religion Foundation is proud to be a part of sponsoring “The Times That Tried Men’s Souls: Thomas Paine’s Service During The Revolutionary War,” an online event celebrating Thomas Paine’s life and legacy.
FFRF and a coalition of other leading secular, historical and humanist organizations invite the public to the annual celebration of the birth of one of America’s most influential Founders:
Thomas Paine. This year’s online commemorative program will take place on Thursday, Jan. 29.
The Thomas Paine Memorial Association (TPMA), which educates about Paine’s legacy, has been authorized by Congress to erect a memorial to Paine in Washington, D.C. The group has since received preliminary approval to pursue a memorial in Area 1 (close to the United States Capitol Building). The approval bill is awaiting congressional action.
Thomas Paine, author of “Common Sense and The American Crisis,” played an indispensable role in igniting the call for independence and sustaining morale through the darkest moments of the Revolution. His writing, service, and vision for a democratic society continue to inspire generations. Paine’s contributions have recently been highlighted in Ken Burns’ documentary “The American Revolution.”
Event Highlights
Distinguished opening remarks
The program will commence with words from Reps. Jamie Raskin and Victoria Spartz, with a special appearance from Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by actor Brian Patrick Mulligan).
Keynote presentation
Acclaimed historian and author Jack Kelly — whose book “Tom Paine’s War” explores Paine’s firsthand experiences during the Revolution — will deliver a keynote address examining Paine’s military service and enduring relevance.
Kelly will cover:
- Paine’s background and rise to prominence
- His “Common Sense” pamphlet and his influence on the Declaration of Independence
- His service with the Pennsylvania militia and involvement with the Continental Army
- The fall of Fort Washington and Fort Lee
- The march across New Jersey
- The writing of “The American Crisis” and its impact on the battles of Trenton and Princeton
- Paine’s legacy in modern times
Readings from Paine’s writings
Award-winning actor Ian Ruskin, known for his one-man show portraying Paine, will perform a dramatic reading from “The American Crisis” synchronized with a photo slideshow of various images of the Paine memorial sculpted by Georg Lober, dedicated in 1950 in Morristown, N.J. The statue portrays Paine in the midst of writing “The American Crisis” during the Revolutionary War — capturing both his intellectual and patriotic courage.
A Veteran’s perspective
Gene Jones of Florida Veterans for Common Sense will speak about Paine’s heroism, the challenges he faced after the war, and why Paine remains a powerful symbol of principled military service today.
Showcase: The Thomas Paine Cottage
A video created by Suzanne Tanswell and Gary Bush, trustees of the Huguenot New Rochelle Historical Association which owns the Thomas Paine Cottage in New Rochelle, N.Y., will highlight one of the most important historical sites connected to Paine’s life.
Additional program features:
- Musical selection from the celebrated play “The Crossing”
- Live Q&A with Jack Kelly, Gary Berton, Christopher Cameron, Ian Ruskin, Margaret Downey, Gene Jones, Frances Chiu, Joy Masoff, Suzanne Tanswell, and Gary Bush
- Cosponsor messages from national organizations
- Credits slideshow
- A post-event Social Hour and Toasts, including a special opening toast by renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis, who will show his progress in creating a statue of Thomas Paine that will be placed in a prestigious preapproved location in Washington, D.C.
Event hosts and sponsors
The event will be co-hosted by TPMA President Margaret Downey and TPMA Board Member Christopher Cameron.
Additional sponsors include:
- Thomas Paine Memorial Association
- Black Nonbelievers
- Thomas Paine Historical Association
- Freethought Society
- Thomas Paine Society
- Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers
- American Atheists
- Secular Coalition for America
- American Humanist Association
- Center for Inquiry/Richard Dawkins Foundation
This event offers an extraordinary opportunity to rediscover Thomas Paine’s contributions through scholarship, performance, and reflection. Attendance is free, but preregistration is required. You can register online here.
“FFRF is proud to be a part of this event that celebrates one of our nation’s most significant freethinkers,” FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor says. “Thomas Paine named our very nation, and in all probability our democracy would not exist had it not been for his writings and reasonings. This event presents an outstanding opportunity to celebrate his significant contributions to our country.”
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the constitutional principle of separation between state and church and educating the public on matters of nontheism. With more than 41,000 dues-paying members, FFRF is the largest freethought association in North America. For more information, visit ffrf.org.
