On July 4 we celebrated the 248th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Fifty-six brave men put their worldly possessions and even their lives at risk by signing the document. In the eyes of the British, these men were traitors and were charged with treason.
At the time it was signed, the battle had commenced. “The shot that was heard around the world” was fired on April 19, 1775, at the battles of Lexington and Concord. British troops engaged minutemen and local militia.
On June 19, 1775, George Washington was commissioned as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. There would be six years of war before the siege of Yorktown from Sept. 28 to Oct. 19, 1781. During the siege at Yorktown, the British troops sustained great losses. They were unable to obtain supplies or more troops by land or sea and surrendered to the Continental Army and its French allies. This was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War.
The execution of the Treaty of Paris on Sept. 3, 1783, officially ended the war. Negotiators for the Americans were John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Jay. The treaty gave recognition to the new country’s independence and established the boundaries of the new nation.
Many heroes worked to create the new nation that we know as the United States. But the unsung patriot that we owe much to was the soldier in the Continental Army. He suffered many hardships, even death, so we might enjoy our freedom. We overlook the challenges faced by the soldier in the Continental Army. Too often we deem the soldier and his deeds as ordinary not heroic.
The typical soldier was ages 15-40, with the average age in the early 20s. Many were farmhands, tradesmen or laborers. All were volunteers. They have been given little recognition for their deeds.
Most of us are unsung patriots. We will not be recognized in future historical accounts of our times. Few will hold public office or serve in government. But like the unsung patriot, we each can take action to preserve the rights and freedoms that were fought for more than two centuries ago.
With elections coming up in August and November, vote for the candidates that will support your values. Support these candidates with your labor and your finances. Having served in public office I know how critical volunteers and funding are to a successful campaign. Make a difference this election year by giving your time, energy and treasure to a candidate. Be an unsung patriot.