Make Your Voice Known
The revolutionary war consisted of many protests, casualties, despair, betrayal, and victories. It was a fight for representation, leadership, choice, and freedom, and with the help of a diverse set of allies consisting of African Americans, the Spanish, French, Dutch, America was able to win the war. Though there were lingering loyalists amongst the American population, this did not halt America's fight for independence. Young America fought the most powerful military in the world. In other words, America achieved what might've been viewed at the time as unbelievable. As young people, especially from New Jersey, we can learn a lot from the brave soldiers that laid their lives down for this seemingly impossible feat. They fought for something they strongly believed in, and we can too.
Although you wouldn’t be able to tell today, New Jersey was the center of combat during the Revolution. Bordering colonies of New Jersey were heavily involved in the war, making its location a crossing ground. Washington and his troops spent most of the war in New Jersey, forming and training troops in the cold winter of New Jersey while setting up camp in Morristown. Suffering from a lack of pay and food throughout the cold winter, some left the military, while some remained to keep fighting for their freedom. Britian's troops spread through New Jersey, not expecting a battle in the winter. Knowing this, Washington set up a defense in Trenton, and when the British attacked on Monmouth courthouse, Washington counterattacked. Shocked by Washington's tactics, Britain fled for the winter, avoiding the south of New Jersey. Just when America began to accept defeat after the marathon of losses, three victorious battles in New Jersey took place, giving hope to Americans. Before the Paris Peace treaty officially ended the war, citizens of New Jersey had the unique opportunity to witness the beginning of a victory of the war unfolding in front of them. America represented persistence and a sense of community as it developed its army, became independent, and expanded its justice system.
New Jersey is a historical ground full of stories like these that many tend to take for granted. With many stories yet to be uncovered, historians and researchers in RevolutionNJ share their knowledge to get people excited about the past and encourage young activists. The stories of the past, including the sacrifices soldiers and their families have made, can inspire the next generation to share their own stories and become change agents themselves.
Learning about how New Jersey has played a significant role in history made me even more proud to be a New Jersey Native. The soldiers, who were as young as I am, laid their lives down for our freedom amid uncertainty. Today, young people have the power to advocate for themselves and fight for the change they want to see, just like the soldiers in the Revolution. They never gave up on seeing the fruits of their labor. The fight for independence in the Garden State consists of stories of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It doesn't matter where you come from or what background you have, you can still make the changes you want to see with some political involvement. As a young advocate, I became a member of the Student Government Association, mentored 7th-12th grade girls, voted regularly, and participated in discussions about the things I wanted to change. It doesn't have to be big, like going to war and running for office, but it can be little things like signing petitions, voting in your area, and running for or supporting student government. Advocating is about making your voice known -- so make it known.