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Here we are, celebrating July 4, Independence Day, in quarantine. But let’s look at the longer term. If this Covid-19 is so deadly, better be safe than sorry, right? So, some restrictions for a better future are likely something we should be able to endure to keep our independence day in, day out.

If you compare to what the ancestors of this nation went through to earn our freedom, our pandemic, while being worldwide, seems more manageable than what Washington and his troops had to face to put the United States of America on the map.

Statue of Liberty — Photo by Reno Laithienne on Unsplash

The Battle of Lexington

As everyone learns in school, the revolt started with the battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775. This rebellion came following unpopular British colonial legislation such as: the Stamp Act in 1764, the Tea Act in 1773, and the Intolerable Acts in 1774.

Seven-eight months prior, the incident of the Powder Alarm had the colonists organize themselves for a potential attack from the British. And so, when word came that the British troops were en route from Boston, militia gathered ready to fight. However, their leader, John Parker, finding out they were outnumbered ordered his men to not fire unless, the British fired first. The British troops had similar instructions, to not fire unless fired at.

None of the contenders at the site fired first. However, a shot came from the back that started the British running and killing eight of Parker’s men. The rest of them ran for their lives. Accounts on this battle differ widely. However, one thing is sure, this was a signal that the colonists meant to be independent from the British authority, and that the war was on for good.

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was eventually signed a little bit more than a year later on July 4, 1776 in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. This didn’t end the ongoing war. One month later, the British anchored 130 ships into New York harbor bringing 20,000 redcoats.

This inflow led the Continental army to some disastrous battles and a couple of months later, morale was low and the troops reduced to a fraction of its former size. Disease and desertion were rampant and Washington desperately needed a victory to save the revolution. He ordered his men to retreat in Pennsylvania across the Delaware River.

Believing the enemy defeated, the British scattered to outposts across New Jersey, glad to wait out the winter.

The Salvage of a Revolution

The colonists couldn’t afford this luxury. Washington planned one of the most audacious charges ever attempted.

In the night of Christmas 1776, he and 2,400 courageous men crossed the unreliable frozen waters of the Delaware River. In the middle of the night, they walked nine miles to Trenton, where they attacked by total surprise 1,500 German mercenaries, making close to 900 prisoners and grabbing enough materials to provide for several American brigades.

Washington then advanced on Princeton where he captured about 200 redcoats.

While these victories were relatively small, they had a major effect in rekindling the hopes within the 13 colonies that winning independence was possible and resulted in thousands of men re-enlisting in the Continental Army.

Washington’s ingenious strategy that night was the turning point for the victory of the American independence. Though, it would take another five years of battles before a joint effort of American and French troops, the former besieging the British army stronghold at Yorktown, the later fighting British reinforcement at sea, led General Cornwallis to surrender to George Washington on October 19, 1781.

And while times have changed, what we all want is still freedom to live. This means taking into account all those who share this country together and who enjoy the liberties so hardly won. Do not let some impatience get the pandemic out of control. Let’s just be responsible for one another and do what is best for the good of all. Happy 4^th of July! Happy Independence Day !

Sources: Wikipedia – Battles of Lexington and Concord, Siege of Yorktown
History.com – Battles of Lexington and Concord, Siege of Yorktown
Encyclopedia Britannica – Declaration of Independence – United States History

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The Reagan Library invites you to a fabulous Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition in Simi Valley. Not only will you find copies of pages of the famous Codex Atlanticus written in mirror image, i.e. written with the left hand from left to right, but also live representations of his many sketches and drawings throughout it. For example, you’ll admire his Musical Cannon and Great Organ.

Musical Cannon designed by Leonardo Da Vinci

Here’s a quick overview of his life

Leonardo Da Vinci was born in the small town of Vinci in Tuscany, close to Florence, Italy, on 14 April 1452. He died at Clos Lucé, Amboise, France, on 2 May 1519 at the age of 67.

First Years in Florence

At age 14, Leonardo Da Vinci apprenticed in Verrocchio’s workshop in Florence. Andrea del Verrocchio was a painter, sculptor and goldsmith. He was the master of a workshop where he trained many painters.

There, Leonardo, exposed not only to the humanities but also to a vast range of technical skills such as drafting, drawing, painting, sculpting, modeling, chemistry, metallurgy, mechanics, carpentry. At 20, he became a master in the Guild of St Luke, the guild of artists and doctors of medicine.

Painter, Architect, Engineer

Up until 1481 he was commissioned for several paintings in Florence. Then, in 1482 he moved to Milan where he was at the service of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. He was employed as a military architect and engineer, devising methods to improve the city waterways.

At the same time, he painted The Last S upper in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie. He completed it in 1498.

In 1499, after the French invaded Italy, Ludovico Sforza was overthrown. Subsequently, Leonardo returned to Florence. Between 1500 and 1502 he painted The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptis t.

In 1502 he started working for Cesare Borgia as a military architect and engineer. He was traveling with him throughout Italy. You will observe, as you move along the exhibition, his numerous works relating to battleships and artillery as well as city planning.

At the end of 1503, he went back to Florence where he spent two years painting a great mural of The Battle of Anghiari for the Signoria (the Florence government at the time).

The Vatican Palace

From 1513 to 1516, he worked at the Belvedere in the Vatican palace along with Raphael and Michelangelo. In 1515, Francis I of France won the Battle of Marignano. Then, on 19^th December, Leonardo assisted at the meeting between Francis I and Pope Leo X in Bologna. Subsequently, he was commissioned to build a mechanical lion for Francis I. The lion walks and hands lilies. A live representation of it stands at the beginning of the tour.

End of Life

For the last three years of his life, he worked for Francis I, and lived at Clos Lucé near the king’s residence at the Chateau Royal d’Amboise.

The king became a close friend. He was the one who eventually acquired the Mona Lisa painting which is now on display at The Louvres museum in Paris.

Throughout his life, Leonardo da Vinci has had a drive and concern of producing useful work for the community. This intention reflects in the details and precision of each of his endeavors. His notes were meticulous and precise. One example is what he did with the Vitruvian man as well as his study of the human body anatomy.

The 500^th anniversary of his death has generated numerous expos throughout Europe and the USA. The Simi Valley Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition is a must see for all. If you happen to live in the area, don’t miss the incredible opportunity to meet one of the genius of all times. It ends September 8, 2019.

Category: History

July 4, 1776 – Independence Day