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Category: Independence Day

  • Ken Burns’ The American Revolution

    I just finished watching Ken Burns’ PBS documentary The American Revolution, released this past November—perfect timing as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The documentary spans six episodes, each two hours long. I found it both highly informative and deeply engaging.

    I appreciated how the series moves beyond the traditional Revolutionary War narrative we often encounter in textbooks. It devotes significant time to the perspectives of Native American tribes, African Americans, and women, offering a far more inclusive and nuanced story. The documentary incorporates an extraordinary number of primary sources, giving voice to a wide range of individuals who lived through the Revolution—from lesser-known figures to towering names such as George Washington and John Adams. The documentary also does an excellent job chronicling the military campaings of the war, highlighting the Revolution’s many ups and downs.

    The Revolution is presented as both a global and deeply personal event. The series explores the international ramifications of the conflict while simultaneously zooming in on its impact on small towns and families. It powerfully highlights the reality that this was  a civil war marked by acts of cruelty committed by both Patriots and Loyalists against one another.

    The documentary truly offers something for everyone—those looking to learn the foundational storyline commonly taught in schools, as well as viewers seeking a more complex and inclusive interpretation that brings lesser-known stories to the forefront. The twelve-hour format allows the series to explore a wide range of topics and grapple with the many complexities of the conflict, all while maintaining a clear chronological structure that is easy to follow.

    Finally, the documentary addresses the aftermath of the war and the writing of the Constitution, emphasizing that it took many years for the United States to begin living up to the Revolution’s ideals of liberty and equality. The developments that followed would not have been possible without those revolutionary principles. The American Revolution was one of the most significant events in human history, paving the way for later revolutions around the world and standing as the first successful example of a democratic government overthrowing a monarchy.

    This documentary is a masterpiece and a must-watch. Check out this link for more info: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-revolution

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  • Independence Day at Washington’s Headquarters- Morristown, NJ

    My family and I made it out on the Fourth of July to Washington’s Headquarters in Morristown, NJ for the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. This was our first time attending this yearly event.

    The festivities began at 12pm with demonstrations by reenactors of the 2nd New Jersey regiment. The regiment did a fantastic job showing the crowd how to stand in a line, reload their muskets, and how to use the bayonet. They thoroughly explained the use of muskets in the Revolutionary War, as well as the uniforms and limited supplies of Continental soldiers.

    The 2nd New Jersey regiment’s demonstrations lasted nearly to 1pm. At that point there were a few speakers including Thomas Ross, the Superintendent of Morristown National Historic Park. He described the rehabilitation projects taking place at the park, including to the Ford Mansion, as well as to the museum. These projects are in preparation of the 250th anniversary of the Revolution.

    Another speaker who addressed the crowd was Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill who represents New Jersey District 11. She described New Jersey’s importance to the Revolution and praised the efforts to preserve New Jersey’s history.

    At 1pm, Ranger Tom Winslow read the Declaration of Independence. The audience was encouraged to give shouts of “Huzzah!” when he read words/ phrases favorable to freedom and independence. The audience was encouraged to shout “Down with King George!” Or “Down with Tyranny!” when he read the many grievances listed against the king.

    Finally, the program concluded at about 1:30 and my family went in and visited the museum. Representative Mikie Sherrill met and spoke with visitors, while the reenactors also took photos. My family and I really enjoyed our patriotic Fourth of July in Morristown, and would love to come back again! Check out my social media sites in the coming days for videos of the event, including drills, discussions of the revolutionary soldiers, speakers, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

    Below are links to organzations who helped run the event or were in attendance.

    Morristown National Historic Park

    Washington Association of New Jersey

    Revolution NJ

    Friends of Jockey Hollow

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