Shoutout (part 2) - The Crossing

 

Wikipedia/Washington Crossing

The highs and lows of 1776 ...

The book - 1776 - by David McCullough chronicles Washington's mistakes - his defeats and blunders in 1776.  And because of that, during the nadir of the revolution, "The Glorious Cause of America" seemed doomed.  Most conceded the war was over and the Americans had lost.

But Washington would not give up and would not quit.  He knew that liberty was at stake.  And at the end of the year, Washington went on the attack and won a great victory at Trenton on Christmas of 1776.  The psychological effect of this victory was enormous and marked a turning point in the war.

Reference: December 1776: Victory or Death

https://youtu.be/6M5sYsiVG_Q?si=GBtXr5a3o-iCLCOi

Fast forward to late November 2024 (date of this blog)

Last spring, I attended the Pikes Peak Writers Conference.

One of the keynote speakers, Kevin Ikenberry, a retired Army officer, explained his idea for a novel that he had pitched to an agent:

Before the Battle of Treton, George Washington reputedly threw a coin across the river. 

What if that coin was a bicentennial quarter ...?

And his idea became an alternate history novel, The Crossing.

Kevin Ikenberry has insight to the workings of the modern army from personal experience as well as knowledge of American history. Thus, he adds authenticity to this tale of what ifs.

It's a good read.

A diverse squad of ROTC cadets, men and women, training at Fort Dix, New Jersey in November 2008 are time slipped days before the Battle of Trenton in 1776.

What could go wrong?

Much.

A couple cadets lose their lives to the fire of enemy as well as an M-16 rifle. If the rifle is reversed engineered, that artifact could change the course of history. 

Seeing no way back to the future, the cadets choose to recover the rifle and join Washington's army, while meeting other of America's Founding Fathers. 

Dressed in 21st century winter camos, the cadets become known as Washington's ghosts. And they bring a most valuable asset, a knowledge of military history, especially the Battle of Trenton.

These cadets not only make history, but they possibly change history.

Kevin so kindly signed my book with Washington's battle cry --

Victory or Death!

The story and its ending make me wonder if there will be a sequel. 

We'll wait and see.

Meanwhile, here's my shout out:

Check out amazon site: The Crossing

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For more in this series, search blog:

ELM

English, Literature, and Musings

Shoutout

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Photos: 

Wikipedia/Washington Crossing 

The Crossing Book cover

America's Story (part 22): Our Lives, Our Fortunes, and Our Sacred Honor

Independence Day/everystockphoto.com

Did George Washington sign the Declaration of Independence?

Short answer. No.

Actually, he was very busy at the time. As Commander of the the Continental Army, General Washington was defending New York City in July 1776. But on July 9, 1776, as directed by John Hancock,  Washington read The Declaration of Independence to the Army.

[reference: Did any of our "Founding Fathers" NOT sign the Declaration of Independence? ]

Here is the reenactment:

(reference: https://youtu.be/GDZp5-w-fZ8 )

Note the last line:

“And for the support of this Declaration, 

with a firm reliance on the protection
of Divine Providence, 

we mutually pledge to each other 

our Lives, 

our Fortunes, 

and our sacred Honor.”

So what happened to the 56 signers and their families?

The late Paul Harvey tells us the rest of the story:

(reference: https://youtu.be/Zw6sKtXDCZk )

The signers were prosperous men, with everything to lose. But they considered liberty much more important than security. So they pledged--

Their lives,

their fortunes,

and their sacred honor

Today, may we remember what they were fighting for

We hold these truths to be self-evident: 

that all men are created equal; 

that they are endowed by their Creator 

with certain unalienable rights; 

that among these are 

life,

liberty, 

and 

the pursuit of happiness. 

-- Thomas Jefferson, 1776

Have a Blessed Independence Day!

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Other posts in this series:

America's Story (part 1) - The Speech that redefined us, November 19, 1863 (2011)

America's Story (part 2) - Savages! (2011)

America's Story (part 3) - Over There - 1917, 1941 (2011)

America's Story (part 4) - Christmas 1944, when we said NUTS to the enemy (2011)

America's Story (part 5) - Amazing Grace (2012)

America's Story (part 6) - GI Joe Tuskegee Airmen (2012)

America's Story (part 7) - When Reagan was shot (2012)

America's Story (part 8) - Memorial Day, Gettysburg, and Amos Humiston (2012)

America's Story (part 9) - A Tale of Two Revolutions (2012)

America's Story (part 10) - Sergeant York (2012)

America's Story (part 11) - Sacajawea  (2012)

America's Story (part 12) - Death and Taxes (2013)

America's Story (part 13) - The Enola Gay (2013)

America's Story (part 14) - I Was a Male War Bride - the real story (2014)
     

America's Story (part 15) - World War 2: memories of North Africa (2014)

America's Story (part 16) - Our First 9/11  (2014)
  

America's Story (part 17) - The Last of the Doolittle Raiders (2015)
   

America's Story (part 18) - VE Day - 70 years ago (2015)

America's Story (part 19) - Trinity and "The Long Peace"  (2015)

America's Story (part 20) - Patton's Weather Prayer (2015)

America's Story (part 21) - Is America Great?  (2017)

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Photo:  Independence Day/everystockphoto.com

Faith (part 2) - Founding Fathers' Faith and the Fourth of July

Declaration of Independence (1819)/wikipedia.com

It's summer, again.

And July is in the middle of it all. School's out. Vacations. Picnics. Holidays. And important dates in American history. Such as...

1776

A watershed year during interesting times.

Our country was born that year on the Fourth of July. And the John Trumbull painting above captures that iconic moment with this description from wikipedia commons:

"John Trumbull's painting, Declaration of Independence, depicting the five-man drafting committee of the Declaration of Independence presenting their work to the Congress. The painting can be found on the back of the U.S. $2 bill. The original hangs in the US Capitol rotunda."

[reference: Declaration of Independence (1819)/wikipedia.com ]

 

And this painting, in the public domain, is a favorite graphic for articles about American history and the first Fourth of July. Such as in this US Independence Day video, which most elegantly gives their tribute:

(reference: https://youtu.be/hcrNDQVR90k )

With the YouTube video are the comments of its creator:

"The Fourth of July is more than just a date on a calendar. It is the celebration of an event which transformed a nation and eventually changed the world. It is the day on which our founding fathers declared their independence and forged the way for fledgling nation to become great. 

"As the Independence Day video announces, 'Freedom is not a work of men alone. It is a gift from the Almighty God.'

"This spiritual freedom is the freedom that the patriotic video celebrates. Using memorable images of Christian history and heritage--such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Washington's crossing of the Delaware--the video tells a message of our freedom and focuses upon God, the source of true freedom and deliverance. 

This short July Fourth video will tell a message of hope and deliverance, while at the same time expressing appreciation for the United States of America."

[reference: https://youtu.be/hcrNDQVR90k ]

I cannot say it better than that.

But as the quote above says - Freedom is not a work of men alone. It is a gift from the Almighty God. 

But whoever looks intently 

into the perfect law that gives freedom, 

and continues in it—

not forgetting what they have heard, 

but doing it—

they will be blessed 

in what they do. 

James 1:25 (NIV) 

Since the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers expressed Faith in the Foundation of the Bible and the Judeo-Christian values for the new republic and for governing the nation, as seen in the montage below:

(reference: https://youtu.be/tTXXHO2Hq0s )

And without faith

it is impossible to please God,

because anyone

who comes to Him

must believe that He exists

and that He rewards those

who earnestly seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

It's been over 240 years...

As we celebrate this holiday in the 21st century, may we heed the advice of  Krista Branch's song, Remember Who We Are.

(reference: https://youtu.be/MJ1ifi8wC5k )

This Fourth of July may we remember the blessings of God and be thankful for the Faith of our Founding Fathers.

As we look back, St. Paul's words can apply to them...

We remember

before our God and Father

your work produced by faith,

your labor prompted by love,

and your endurance inspired by hope

in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV)

Amen.

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Other post in the series:

Faith (part 1) - Star Trek and Christianity 

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photo: Declaration of Independence (1819)/wikipedia.com

Patriots (part 3) - Signers of the Declaration

Declaration Independence/wikipedia.com

Soon we are approaching the 240th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, attributed on July 4, 1776.

Much is written about these times. History.com does a great job, such as this: Declaration of Independence

But here is a summary of what happened to the signers, most of them wealthy men, who lost it all for the greater gift, liberty.

( reference: https://youtu.be/Zw6sKtXDCZk )

Today, many politicians will give away our freedoms for their position of power.

But in 1776, these men and their families risked it all, with nothing material to gain for themselves, as they penned these words in the last sentence:

And for the support of this Declaration, 

with a firm reliance
on the protection of divine Providence, 

we mutually pledge to each other 

our Lives,
our Fortunes
and our sacred Honor.

reference: Declaration of Independence transcript

These 56 signers were patriots.

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Previous posts in series:

Patriots (part 1) - Taps (2016)

Patriots (part 2) - D-Day Courage  (2016)

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Photo from: Declaration Independence/wikipedia.com

Pray4America (part 14) - We are Americans

Happy 4th of July! The American Flag in Fireworks/everystockphoto.com

As the 4th of July approaches, I reflect upon the sacrifices of our patriots made for ideals liberty and freedom that our nation was built upon ...

The Spirit of 1776

But I am concerned by the wrong direction our country is going and its decline.   I wonder if the gains made during the American Revolutionary War are being reversed and will bring us full circle - back under the heel of tyranny.

What difference does it make?

Over 200 years ago we overthrew the rule of a king.  Now we are submitting to the rule a Nanny State as an ever more intrusive government continues to grow, dictating how we live our lives and curtailing our freedoms. Yet, the character of our leaders reflect us - we the people.

But I feel heartened by these words of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, who spoke during troubling times such as today:

(reference:  http://youtu.be/eVecpn3DUHc)

During this holiday, may we remember all those who have sacrificed for the freedoms that we take for granted.   And may we resolve they not be taken from us.  As Thomas Jefferson was alleged to say -

"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance." 

{reference: Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty (Quotation) « Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello}

As mentioned in the video clip above, may we keep Pvt. Treptow's pledge he made during World War I -

''America must win this war.  

Therefore I will work, I will save, 

I will sacrifice, I will endure, 

I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, 

as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.'' 

{reference: THE PLEDGE OF PRIVATE TREPTOW - NYTimes.com}

And we are in a war - not against flesh and blood - but a battle for the soul of our nation.  

America is worth fighting for!

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Please check out eCard.

Blessings of God

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord

 Psalm 33:12  (NIV)

Keep praying for America ....

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Previous posts in this series:

Pray4America (part 1) - National Day of Prayer (2012)

Pray4America (part 2) - FDR's prayer on D-Day (2012)

Pray4America (part 3) - FDR's Flag Day prayer - June 14, 1942 (2012)

Pray4America (part 4) - It's a Wonderful Life, America (2012)

Pray4America (part 5) - United we stand? (2012)

Pray4America (part 6) - Christmas in Iran 1980 (2012)

Pray4American (part 7) - For such a time as this (2013)

Pray4America (part 8) - Fear no evil (2013)

Pray4America (part 9) - America, the Beautiful - 1893 to 2013 (2013)

Pray4America (part 10) - Real Hope for America  (2013)

Pray4America (part 11) - New Year Reset  (2013)

Pray4America (part 12) - George Washington's Knee-Mails (2014)

Pray4America (part 13) - Apollo 13 Reflections and Prayer (2014)

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Photo from:  Happy 4th of July! The American Flag in Fireworks/everystockphoto.com

Have a Blessed Fourth!

I found this marvellous video clip from the HBO mini-series, John Adams. It captures the signing of the Declaration of Independence.





I wish all of you a blessed Fourth of July with this DaySpring.com Fourth of July Greetings: America's freedom story


Photo from Wikipedia Commons: John Trumbull's painting, Declaration of Independence

Christmas 1776 - the gift of freedom

1776 was a watershed year in American History. July 4th, the colonies had declared independence from Britain. And so the American Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783) continued.

By December 1776, prospects of victory seemed remote for the Continental Army. The British had driven General Washington from New York to retreat to Pennsylvania. The annual enlistment of the American soldiers were expiring at the end of the year and funds as well as morale were low. If there was every a need for a Christmas miracle, it was needed in 1776.

In this bleak setting on Christmas Day, General Washington made a daring move to attack the enemy, crossing the Delaware River into New Jersey. The day after Christmas, Washington caught the Hessians by surprise and won the Battle of Trenton. That victory boost the morale of the Continentals and spurred the troops to continue fighting and eventually win the war.

For our first American Christmas in 1776, we got a priceless present from our founding fathers and mothers - Freedom!

Likewise, on the first Christmas, which we celebrate the incarnation of the Son of God, we can receive the ultimate gift of Freedom:

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
(John 8:36,King James Version)


Merry Christmas and God Bless America!
Painting jpg from:
Wikimedia: Washington Crossing the Delaware

Related links to the Battle of Trenton:
Trenton 1776
Battle of Trenton
Timeline of the American Revolutionary War

July 1776 & July 1863

On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson. Adopted by the Continental Congress, this Declaration announced that the thirteen American colonies were now independent states and no longer a part of the British Empire.

One of the best-known sentences in the English language is the second sentence of the Declaration:

“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Our inalienable Rights do not come from the government nor from the people, but from God. Since no government or person can grant us these rights, no government or person can take these rights from us.

My favorite flash video of Independence Day can be found at Dayspring ecards for the 4th of July: America's Freedom story

Four score and seven years later ...

In July 1863, the United States was engaged in the Civil War, the worst war in our history. The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863), the battle with the largest number of casualties in that war, is often described as the turning point in favor of the Union.

On November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln gave a two minute speech at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

President Lincoln began where Thomas Jefferson left off:

“Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. …”

For the entire speech, youtube.com/watch?v=V4bM9geY0do

In his short speech, Lincoln redefined the Civil War as a struggle not merely for the Union, but -

“… that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

The Gettysburg Address has since then been regarded as one of the greatest speeches in American history.

Before 1863, “the United States” was considered a plural proper noun - as in the United States are expanding with the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase. After the Civil War, "the United States" became a single proper noun - as in the United States has grown to 50 states.

E pluribus unum, “Out of Many, One.”

Best wishes this Fourth of July and be safe!


Related links:

Photos from everystockphoto.com:
Declaration of Independence: everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=662439