The story of American independence has been thoroughly ingrained in the minds of every man, woman, and child of this nation. From the fireworks which soar across the warm summer night every July Fourth to high school civics exams, the anniversary of our nation’s independence is hard to forget.
What is easier to forget amidst the barbeques and time off from work however, is that July 4th was merely a prelude.
Our independence may have been declared on July 4, 1776, but that date only marks when our grievances and protests against the British Empire turned from political rebellion aimed at eventual reconciliation to a revolution for separation. In doing so, our founding fathers made the decision to fight against the greatest military power the world had ever known.
Their success was never certain, a fact they themselves were all too aware of. They were committing high treason against their mother country, and affixing their names to a document proudly declaring it. Benjamin Franklin captured these feelings following their signing of the Declaration of Independence: “We must, indeed, all hang together or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
What followed was eight long, grueling years of war and bloodshed across all settled parts of the American continent. From Boston Harbor to Boonesborough, from the swamps of South Carolina to the valleys of Vermont, colonists took up arms in defense of their homes and laid down their lives in pursuit of freedom for those who would come after them.
For many years, the cause was seemingly hopeless as American forces suffered defeat after defeat after defeat. The Battle of Quebec saw heavy casualties and drained immense resources from the continental army. The Battle of Long Island, the largest battle of the war, saw British forces crush General George Washington and take control of New York City. The Battles of Fort Washington as well as the Battle of Fort Lee see even heavier American losses, the capture of over 3,000 troops, and the beginning of a general evacuation of the continental army from the New England coasts. The Battle of Brandywine saw General Washington again suffer a monumental defeat, leading directly to the British capturing the American capital of Philadelphia.
When Washington and his men made winter camp at Valley Forge in 1777, they were at their lowest yet. Supplies dwindled as the snow fell, disease ran rampant as men grew hungry, and Washington was preparing to be stripped of his command.
However, the persistence of the patriot cause did not waiver. Washington took this opportunity to train his men in European battle tactics, and diplomats continued to negotiate with other nations for support. In time, each would prove successful.
When Washington’s army emerged from Valley Forge, they successfully held off the British at the Battle of Monmouth. Coupled with the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga, France and Spain were convinced of the American’s abilities and agreed to lend aid to our small, burgeoning country which was beginning to defy the odds against their old enemy.
As they say, the rest is history. With persistence, training, and aid from allies the continental army would continue their fight against the British until 1783, forcing the surrender of their commander and his forces at the Battle of Yorktown.
That is why it is important as we all celebrate 249 years of independence; we also remember that the legacy of Independence Day stretches far beyond the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is a legacy of resilience in the face of hardship, strength in the face of loss, and liberty in the face of tyranny.
Finally, as we remember July 4, 1776, as a prelude to the struggles of the Revolutionary War, this year’s celebration itself is another prelude.
Next year, our country will mark 250 years of independence during its sestercentennial. I encourage you all to take the time we have not only to celebrate this year, but to learn what events and commemorations will be held locally and across our commonwealth throughout the coming year in order to honor this momentous occasion in our nation’s history.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Amy.Neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
(HD21 – News From the Office of Rep. Neighbors)