Independence Day!

As we mark the occasion with BBQ's and fireworks, let's also remember the tremendous sacrifices made by so many to win our independence.

Here are some of the patriots I found in my own family tree:

Daniel Andrews (1734-1818) of Connecticut
Asher Applegate (1762-1834) of New Jersey
Henry Applegate (1729-1799) of New Jersey
Capt. Redding Blount (1757-1807) of North Carolina
Capt. Daniel Bonnell (c 1750-1796+) of Georgia
Thomas Bonner (1744-1805) of South Carolina
Rev. Henry Brown (1759-1849) of Virginia, military chaplain
James Cameron (1761-1840) of South Carolina
John Cox (1753-1836) of North Carolina
Richard Gaines (1726-1802) of Virginia, artillery sergeant
Obadiah Higbee (1732-1808) of New Jersey
James Jernigan (1740-1802) of South Carolina
Col. William Jones (1745-1801) of Virginia, killed in action at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse
Job Judd (1757-1846) of Connecticut
Capt. Phineas Judd (1715-1790) of Connecticut
Joshua Peck (1756-1847) of Connecticut
Richard Stith (1727-1802) of Virginia, member of the Committee of Correspondence

Of course, this abbreviated list omits the numerous great-uncles who served, but are not in my direct line (like my namesake William Morgan of Virginia). And, we shouldn't forget the patriot women (like Agnes Walker Jones, who was left a war widow). Or, those who lost property (like Garret Vanderveer, whose home was burned by the British at the Battle of Monmouth).

When I think of the label "greatest generation" that has been bandied-about so much recently during discussions of World War II, I cannot help but think it has been misapplied. Isn't it grossly presumptious to accept that label and deny it to the generation that produced Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, et al?!

Oh, and I guess in the interest of fairness, I also have to mention one Ephraim Mallory in this posting as something of a disclaimer. I found him lurking in my family tree recently, British loyalties, warts, and all. But, one rotten apple doesn't spoil THIS barrel!

OK, nuff of the history lesson diatribe. Back to the celebratin'!