This month we celebrated another 4th of July with parties, parades, fireworks and fun. Students in school learn about the Revolutionary War, but how many of us remember any of the heroes of the Revolutionary War? I’m afraid it is very few. However, without the sacrifice, and dedication of these men and women, we would never have won our independence and become the United States of America.
George Washington was the commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), before he served as the first President of the United States of America (1789-1797). For his essential roles in both war and peace, he has always been referred to as the Father of his country. He forced the British out of Boston and crossed the Delaware River in New Jersey defeating the surprised enemy units later that year. As a result of that strategy, Revolutionary forces captured the two main British combat armies at Saratoga and Yorktown. He presided over the Philadelphia Convention that drafted the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
John Adams was a brilliant Revolutionary patriot and second president of the United States.
Henry Knox was a Revolutionary War General whose skills as an engineer and artilleryman played a central role in Washington’s battles. He served as Secretary of War, and was the co-founder of the Navy. He also laid the basis for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
General Elijah Clark led the battle at Kettle Creek on February 14, 1777, the turning point for the revolution in the South.
Marquis de LaFayette, a French aristocrat became an aide-de-camp to Washington. In 1779, he returned to France to persuade the king to send official French forces to the U.S, and the next year led American soldiers against General Cornwallis. In 1780, Lafayette returned in command of French troops to aid Washington.
General Casimir Pulaski was a Polish patriot of the American Revolutionary War, and a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Pulaski joined Washington in the war in 1777 and was commissioned as a Brigadier General and trained Special Forces. He also became the father of the American Calvary.
Henry Lee III also known as Light Horse Harry, a dashing cavalry commander led his forces in the southern campaign, and was the father of Robert E. Lee.
Nathaniel Greene was one of Washington’s most trusted generals who dueled Cornwallis.
Alexander Hamilton served as Washington’s Chief of Staff for four years and was famous later for his political work as one of the Founding Fathers.
Daniel Morgan of the Long Rifles, served in the campaign that culminated in the Battle of Cowpens where he destroyed Benestre Tareton of Britain.
Benjamin Franklin was one of the most colorful of the Founding Fathers. He signed three of the major documents that led to our independence from Britain and formed our government.
James Madison, best known as the Father of the Constitution was one of three authors of The Federalist, a famous book throughout the years.
Of course, there are many more heroes too numerous to mention, but we mustn’t forget the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776 as the Continental Congress declared American independence from Britain. Then, on July 4th, 1776, Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence.
Although these men lived more than 200 years ago, without their courage, faith, and dedication to their cause, we may have never become the country we are today. We are Americans, and we should always remember the sacrifices of so many of our men, not just in the Revolutionary War, but also in all of the wars since. We should continue to strive to keep America free and strong so that we can always be proud of our country.
Helen L. Price
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