Colonial grit prevailed over authoritarian rule

‘Freedom’s Quest’ — Declared and drafted on July 4, 1776, by then America’s 13 subjugated British colonies. Colonies fed up with the British crown’s monarchical authoritarian rule over them. They craved freedom so much that they rebelled    against overwhelming British odds and firepower.

The colonists, through necessity, had learned to live off the land, adapting and fine-tuning wilderness skills which they used against opposing forces. Colonial guerrilla incursions against the regimented tactics of the British had devastating effect. Unorthodox Colonial battle strategy bewildered the pretty,  colorful command columns of the British, resulting in heavy losses to them. Colonial grit, blood, sweat and tears prevailed.

The British eventually surrendered all forces on Oct. 19, 1781, later recognizing U.S. independence in 1787 by the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Since then, many patriots have followed in the footsteps of these original defenders of freedom.

We have been tested often and will continue to forever be tested. Obvious weakness and poor leadership will always be exploited by our enemies and sadly even some of our “not so friendly” allies. Freedom is fragile; we must project the strength to lead and to win. We must remain vigilant, wisely selecting our political leaders and remain stewards of our Constitution,  which remains under constant assault. Patriotic, freedom-loving Americans are eternally grateful to those who defend our country; those who swear an oath, up to and including, their lives, to keep us safe and free. One such past patriot was Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the president. She always carried with her a red leather wallet, a common accessory for women of that era. It harbored a yellowed, well-worn, creased piece of paper folded and refolded many times. That piece of paper reads as follows: “Dear Lord, lest I continue my complacent way, help me to remember that somewhere, somehow out there, a man died for me today; as long as there be way I must answer — Am I worth dying for?”…Are we worth dying for? Our men and women in uniform believe we are. God bless you patriotic readers and your families.

Have a great 4th, enjoy your summer. and encourage our youth to study factual American/military history and civics and to fly our hard-earned colors. Til next time.

Town of North East resident Larry Conklin is a Vietnam veteran and a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Conn.