Month: June 2025

Road to Independence Dateline: 17June 1775, Boston, Massachusetts

The British troops in Boston are surrounded by the colonial militia which would become the continental army. The British plans to break out of Boston were found out by the American leaders. The colonials pushed in towards Boston and in one night reinforced Breeds Hill. General Gage knew he must act quickly and he prepares his generals for an attack on the redoubt on Breeds Hill. The British Generals expected little resistance from the colonials, expecting them to turn and run when attacked.

The colonists, however, proved to be more determined and better led than had been anticipated. The famed order, “Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes”, indicates the directions given by the colonial leaders to allow the British troops to get close before firing, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their fire. The colonists demonstrated great courage in allowing these trained soldiers to march up close before engaging, and by staying in the fight until the ammunition began giving out. The Americans fought hand-to-hand at the end and faced the enemy up close and personal.

The battle was a victory for the British, in that they drove the colonists back, but the British suffered more than twice the number of losses. This David versus Goliath story emboldened the colonies in their struggle for freedom and individual rights. A couple short weeks later, George Washington assumed control of the military and began the Revolutionary War in earnest. There was no turning back at that point.

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Link to the Story of the Battle of Bunker Hill

Road to Independence Dateline: 17 June 1775, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

George Washington was chosen this day to lead the Continental forces against the British.

Washington’s selection as the Commander & Chief was not a foregone conclusion and there were several others who expected to receive the appointment. However, George Washington’s nomination was unanimously approved by the Continental Congress. A sum of $500 per month was established to pay the Commander & Chief, but Washington refused pay, asking only that his expenses be reimbursed.

Washington did not seek this position, but he was one of the few men suited for this position; both in military experience and in his place and position as a wealthy Virginia leader. His selection to lead the colonial army, let everyone know that the colonies were behind Massachusetts in its struggle with the king. His steady leadership through the war brought about the impossible victory over the world’s greatest military of the time.

George Washington received his commission as General and Commander and Chief on June 19, 1775, and resigned it on December 23, 1783 after the war. His willingness to resign from such a powerful position has resonated with Americans for generations.

See the words of the commission below from the American Battlefield Trust.

The Continental Congress appoints George Washington as Commander and Chief of the Continental Army:

Members of Congress convened: 

The delegates of the United Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Castle Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

To George Washington Esquire

We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, conduct and fidelity Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be General and Commander in chief of the army of the United Colonies and of all the forces raised or to be raised by them and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service and join the said army for the defence of American Liberty and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof And you are hereby vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and Welfare of the service.

And we do hereby strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders & diligent in the exercise of their several dut⟨ies.⟩ And we do also enjoin and require you to be careful in executing the great trust reposed in you, by causing strict discipline and order to be observed in th⟨e⟩ army and that the soldiers are duly exercised an⟨d⟩ provided with all convenient necessaries.

And you are to regulate your conduct in every respect by the rules and discipline of war (as herewith given you) and punctually to observe and foll⟨ow⟩ such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the said United Colonies or a committee of Congress for that purpose appointed.

This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.

By order of the Congress,

John Hancock, President

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Learn more: https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/washingtons-commission

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: It is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

Thomas Paine -The American Crisis

2026 is the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and some of the many events leading to it.

Our new website will be launching on July 4th of this year, and it will launch a yearlong focus on what brought Americans to the point of Declaring Independence from Britain. Be on the lookout for the new site with new interactive ways to see our history and to involve others in our fight to revive America!

In honor of the Anniversary year, we are launching a fund drive of $17.76. Our goal is to give everyone the opportunity to participate in fighting for our freedom. We are asking for donations of $17.76. It can be a one-time donation, or it can be a monthly reoccurring donation. You can also donate $1776.00 if you want, but we are really looking for as many people to participate as we can possibly reach. You can donate to any specific category you wish or just donate to the general fund.

This is a great opportunity for you to have a conversation with family, friends, or coworkers about our freedoms and the price of saving them.  

It does not take a majority to prevail… but rather an irate, tireless minority,  keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.

Samuel Adams

THESE are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Thomas Paine THE AMERICAN CRISIS, No. 1, 1776

Dec. 19, 1776: Published as a pamphlet in Philadelphia.

Dec. 24, 1776: Read to Washington’s troops before the crossing of the Delaware River and victory in the Battle of Trenton.

Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, #1, December 1776