This Fourth of July, as fireworks light the sky and communities come together in celebration, StateDefenseForce.com reflects on the deeper meaning behind Independence Day by honoring a pivotal moment in American history—the summer of 1775, exactly 250 years ago.
On July 4, 1775, General George Washington, newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, issued his first General Orders from Cambridge, Massachusetts. At that moment, Washington stood at the head of an untested army of volunteers—farmers, blacksmiths, and tradesmen who had laid down their tools and taken up arms to surround the British in Boston. These early patriots were not professional soldiers but citizen-warriors determined to resist tyranny. They embodied the spirit of duty and service to their community, their colonies, and their shared vision for liberty.
His orders that day called for discipline, cleanliness, and devotion—not just to the cause, but to each other. They emphasized the need for unity, stating that “all Distinctions of Colonies will be laid aside” so that “one and the same Spirit may animate the whole.”
As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, we must not overlook the monumental significance of 1775—the year the war for independence truly began. From the battles at Lexington and Concord to the formation of the Continental Army and the first foreign campaign into Canada, 1775 was the year America found its backbone.
Today’s State Defense Forces—modern descendants of those early militias—carry forward that same spirit of selfless service. They remind us that liberty was won not only by declarations, but by action, sacrifice, and the willingness of everyday people to answer the call.
Happy Independence Day from all of us at StateDefenseForce.com. May we never forget the courage of those who stood together 250 years ago, and may we continue to honor their legacy by defending our communities and our country with the same unwavering commitment.
Source: Forbes – American Battlefield Trust
