The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Birth of the United States of America. It also commemorates one of the most consequential, revolutionary and difficult years of the entire American War for Independence.
During the summer of 1776, the American cause reached an extraordinary height as representatives of the thirteen colonies formally declared their independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence transformed a colonial rebellion into a struggle to establish a new nation founded upon representative government and individual liberty.
Within weeks, however, the military situation deteriorated dramatically. General George Washington’s Continental Army suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn, on August 27, 1776. The defeat was followed by additional setbacks at the Battle of White Plains, the fall of Fort Washington and the abandonment of Fort Lee. Washington’s diminished army was driven across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania as enlistments expired, supplies dwindled and public confidence in the Revolution began to collapse.
As the American Cause was on the verge of collapse and ending in defeat, an unexpected and desperately needed American gamble was made by General George Washington. On the night of December 25–26, Washington led his troops across the ice-filled Delaware River and launched a surprise attack against the Hessian garrison at Trenton, New Jersey. The victory at the Battle of Trenton restored confidence in the Continental Army, encouraged soldiers to remain in service and demonstrated that the Revolution had not been defeated. It helped keep the American cause alive at one of its darkest moments and contributed to the chain of events that eventually secured American independence.
The nation that emerged from that struggle would grow from thirteen former colonies into the United States of America—a country that today possesses unmatched global military, economic and diplomatic influence.
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America Commemorates 250 Years of Independence
Celebrations, historical programs and commemorative events have been held throughout 2026 as Americans reflect upon the sacrifices that created the nation. America250, the organization established to lead the national commemoration, describes the anniversary as an opportunity to examine the nation’s past, honor the contributions of generations of Americans and consider the country’s future.
State military organizations have an especially meaningful connection to this history. Today’s State Defense Forces continue the long American tradition of citizens serving their states in organized military formations. That tradition predates the United States itself and extends back through the colonial and Revolutionary-era State Militias that defended their communities and supported the Continental Army.
Among the military organizations commemorating this heritage is the Maryland Defense Force, whose personnel continue Maryland’s tradition of voluntary military service to the state.
LTC John H. Green, Jr. Receives Distinguished Maryland 400 Medal
The Maryland Defense Force recently congratulated Lieutenant Colonel (MD) John H. Green, Jr., who was honored by the Maryland Society Sons of the American Revolution.
LTC Green was presented with the Maryland Distinguished 400 Medal, an award recognizing distinguished service and achievement performed in keeping with the finest traditions of the legendary Maryland 400.
The medal carries particular significance during the nation’s 250th anniversary because it invokes one of the most heroic actions of the Revolutionary War, and one of the defining events in Maryland military history.
The Maryland 400 were soldiers of the First Maryland Regiment who fought during the Battle of Long Island. As British and Hessian forces threatened to surround and destroy a substantial portion of Washington’s army, approximately 400 Maryland and Delaware soldiers remained behind to serve as a rear guard.
Facing a vastly superior enemy force, the Marylanders repeatedly charged British positions near the Old Stone House. Their attacks delayed the British advance and provided critical time for other American troops to cross Gowanus Creek and retreat toward Brooklyn Heights. The National Park Service reports that the fighting lasted nearly an hour and may have prevented the capture of Washington and the destruction of his army, an outcome that could have ended the Revolution during the summer of 1776.
The Maryland Society Sons of the American Revolution states that 256 members of the Maryland force were killed, while more than 100 were wounded or captured. Their sacrifice helped the Continental Army escape and continue the struggle for independence. The performance of Maryland’s soldiers became closely associated with the state’s enduring nickname, “The Old Line State.”
The Maryland State Archives describes the Maryland 400 as Maryland’s first Revolutionary War soldiers and credits their stand with holding back the British Army long enough to save the Continental Army from total destruction. The Archives and the Maryland Society Sons of the American Revolution have worked together to research and preserve the biographies of the soldiers who served in the First Maryland Regiment.
Preserving the Ideals of Citizen Service
Presenting the Distinguished Maryland 400 Medal to LTC Green connects the service of a modern Maryland Defense Force officer with the example established by Maryland’s Revolutionary War soldiers 250 years ago.
The award does not merely commemorate a famous military engagement. It recognizes the continuing values represented by the Maryland 400: courage in the face of overwhelming adversity, devotion to duty, service before self and a willingness to protect others regardless of personal risk.
Those values remain central to the mission of the Maryland Defense Force. Its volunteer service members support Maryland’s military and civilian authorities and stand ready to assist their fellow citizens during emergencies, disasters and other state missions.
Recognitions such as the Maryland Distinguished 400 Medal also demonstrate why commemorations of the American Revolution remain important. The freedoms and institutions Americans possess today were not inevitable. They survived because ordinary citizens accepted extraordinary responsibilities during moments when the future of the country remained uncertain.
As America observes its 250th anniversary, remembering the Maryland 400 ensures that their sacrifice is not reduced to a forgotten episode within a larger war. Their actions helped preserve Washington’s army, sustained the possibility of independence and allowed the American cause to live and fight another day.
The State Guard & Defense Force Council congratulates LTC (MD) John H. Green, Jr. on receiving the Maryland Distinguished 400 Medal and thanks him for his distinguished service to the Maryland Defense Force and the State of Maryland.
Source: The Maryland Defense Force – American Revolution Institute – Finding The Maryland 400 – American Battlefield Trust
