Happy Independence Day!

Celebrating the Fourth of July might be a little different this year, but hopefully the reason for this day will not change. I plan to hang out with my family and watch movies. And maybe some watch the fireworks my neighbors will be setting off. What are your plans for the fourth?

I wanted to write a short story to share with y’all today. I hope you enjoy it.

Please note: While the facts about the war are true, the characters and the account are completely fictional.

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The night air was cold as I walked through camp. The sense of calm that surrounded us was a little too eerie for me. Those redcoats could be hiding anywhere in the dark, and we wouldn’t know what hit us until it was too late. They could surprise us at any moment. The thought left me on my toes.

The camp was quiet as men settled down to sleep. A few men sat around fires, sharing a solemn drink. The only sound was the groans of the wounded and the distant sound of cannon fire. I searched for a nice, quiet corner near a fire and sat down. I needed to write to Julie. Let her know I am okay.

I found a crate and decided to use it as a table. I set down a candle, my ink and quill and a parchment. I then sat down on a log and began to write.

July 4th, 1776

Dear Julie,

Today we declared our independence from Britain. The British want to control us, but we continue to fight back. We will not be controlled. We raise our voice for freedom. We will not back down until we have it!
My darling Julie, I don’t know when I will return to you. We sit in the trenches day in and day out, listening to the cannon fire, the gunshots. It’s frightening. Everyday, more and more of us are injured or give way to illness. We have little food. Each day brings us a new challenge. With this new declaration, I am beginning to wonder how long this war will wage on. The men are talking. I hear rumors that Washington is planning to call on the French to help us. Prayerfully, with their aid, this war will end swiftly.
It is interesting how much hope and patriotism is demonstrated within the men of our company. They are fighting for more then just freedom. They are fighting for their families, their children. They want to give their children freedom, a better future. I wish to give you and John the same. A better future. A better world for John to grow up in.
Often times, when hope is running low, I will look up at the sky and see that our flag is still flying high in the sky, even as the cannon fires. It’s been torn, scarred, but it still flies. It will never fall.
I’ve seen a great deal of pain and heartache since this war began. I pray everyday for it’s swift end.
My dearest. My darling Julie. My thoughts are always of you. In my every waking hour I think of you. I see your face in my dreams. The pain of missing you is unbearable at times.
Give John a kiss for me. And, Julie, my darling, I love you. Forever I will love you. I will see you both soon, when we are finally free.

With all my love,
Phillip

I folded the letter and put it in an envelope, writing Julie’s address on the front. The fire crackled, sending sparks flying. I watched it, my hand brushing against Julie’s name on the envelope. The pain of missing her was getting to much. I prayed to God that I would see her again and soon. I prayed for the swift end of the war. I prayed for freedom.

Even as the cannon’s fire and the bullets shoot past us, our voices join together, calling out for freedom. We will not rest until we have it.

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With the end of the American Revolution on September 3rd, 1783 and the signing of the Treaty of Paris, America was finally independent. Our country was formed. Throughout the next few years, America would continued to fight for it’s freedom and that of it’s allies. While Fourth of July is about our countries Declaration of Independence, let us not forget the men who died for that independence. Both in the past and now.

Happy Fourth of July everyone