What Price Freedom?

The book 1776 by McCullough is a must-read for every American. I must admit I was profoundly affected by the accounts this Pulitzer Prize-winning author shared from his extensive research. I began to wonder if I had been totally asleep in my American history classes or if they never really told us the cost of liberty. Yes, I knew the general details of the major conflicts and the issues that were at stake, but I really had little concept of the destitute state of those who fought. With no training, little pay ($6 per month), inadequate supplies, and rampant sickness, they left behind their jobs and families to march hundreds of miles in poor (often freezing) conditions to fight an enemy who outnumbered them at least 4 to 1. Even though I knew the final outcome, as I was reading, I couldn’t imagine how we would possibly pull off a victory. I was truly inspired by the acts of courage and heroism, as well as shamed by how much I take for granted and how often I complain when things aren’t going my way. Imagine that in the midst of planning battle strategy, riding alongside the troops, and dealing with ill-trained leaders, George Washington found time to write 976 letters in less than two years—and we can’t find time to hit reply to an email!