Benjamin Franklin, The First American

Benjamin Franklin was a writer, a scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher. Among the most influential intellectuals of his time, Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States, signer of the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Paris 1783, and the U.S. Constitution. As we celebrate the sesquicentennial of our nation, we will examine the life and times of Benjamin Franklin, who was the first to advocate for uniting the colonies in 1754 at the Albany Congress, thus earning the title, “The First American.”

Murray Norcross, M.D., M.P.H., is a 30-year career U.S. Navy medical officer and family physician who has served in the Cold War, Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror. An eyewitness to many historic events of the past 30 years, Murray served two staff tours in Washington, D.C., deployed in support of several Joint Task Forces, and was stationed overseas for six years, split between Bahrain and Japan. Murray holds master’s degrees in international relations, public health and health care administration. He is an avid photographer, writer, researcher, artist and lifelong learner.