THOMAS PAINE DAY

January 29th


Thomas Paine arrived in America in 1774 at Benjamin Franklin's request. On January 10, 1776, he published Common Sense, a remarkable and powerful republican pamphlet which had an immediate success. He served in the Revolutionary War under General Greene and later in official positions appointed by congress and in the Pennsylvania legislature. In his later publication, Age of Reason Paine expressed that "all religions are in their nature mild and benign" when not associated with political systems. Paine was the quintessential Deist of the 18th century.

Between March 1791 and February 1792 he published numerous editions of his Rights of Man, in which he defended the French Revolution. The words of Thomas Paine inspired many to strive for political, economic and social advancement. He was amoung the first to call for an end to slavery and the establishment of human rights around the world. In appreciation, TPF celebrates the birthday of Thomas Paine on January 29th, a Thomas Paine Day proclamation on June 8 and other Paine theme events during the year. TPF aids in the beautification project for the Thomas Paine National Historical Museum and occasionally visits the three Thomas Paine Elementary Schools located so far.

Visit the Atheist Foundation of Australia's Thomas Paine: The Unsung Hero for more information on Thomas Paine.

Thomas Paine Day - 01/31/2001 - 163088

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