Free Republic

"Don't Shoot Until You See the Whites of Their Eyes!" commanded Colonel William Prescott, repeating the order of General Israel Putnam, JUNE 17, 1775. Colonel William Prescott's men were in the center redoubt located on Breed's Hill, adjacent Bunker Hill, guarding the north entrance to Boston Harbor. Samuel Swett wrote in his History of Bunker Hill, that as the 2,300 British soldiers advanced: "The American marksmen are with difficulty restrained from firing. Putnam rode through the line, and ordered that no one should fire till they arrived within eight rods ... Powder was scarce and must not be wasted. They...

Today marks the 246th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party when American patriots, frustrated and angry at Britain for imposing “taxation without representation,” dumped 342 chests of tea into the harbor in protest. You’re probably somewhat familiar with this seminal event but you may not be with the story of those behind it. The “Sons Of Liberty” flag shares its origin with the participants, their call of no “taxation without representation,” imbued a national character and revolutionary spirit that echoes to this very day. It inspires us to not exist quietly as mere subjects of our own government, or any...

The Battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, kicked off the American Revolutionary War (1775-83). Tensions had been building for many years between residents of the 13 American colonies and the British authorities, particularly in Massachusetts. On the night of April 18, 1775, hundreds of British troops marched from Boston to nearby Concord in order to seize an arms cache. Paul Revere and other riders sounded the alarm, and colonial militiamen began mobilizing to intercept the Redcoat column. A confrontation on the Lexington town green started off the fighting, and soon the British were hastily retreating under...

This is a blood-bought land We are a blood-bought people The LORD purchased our souls Patriots gave us a nation Bold, courageous Declaring self-evident truth They fought, they died For those they loved With unborn millions not forgotten They accepted and paid the purchase price So that you and I could be free Oh, what a supreme shame it would be To fail to pass along this precious gift To our posterity

...Paul Revere, born in Boston in 1734... After the death of his father in 1754, Paul enlisted in the provincial army to fight in the French and Indian War... When the war was over, he returned to Boston to take over his father's silversmith business, only to fall into financial difficulties during the Stamp Act of 1765. Frustrated by this gave him cause to join the Sons of Liberty... On the night of April 18, 1775, Joseph Warren sent Revere to send the signal to Charlestown that the British troops were on the move... His journey ended in Lexington where...

American Revolutionary Song by Dr. Joseph Warren

In September of 1774, Dr. Joseph Warren wrote the Suffolk Resolves.British statesman Edmund Burke cited the Suffolk Resolves as a major development in colonial animosity, which eventually led to the Declaration of Independence. The Suffolk Resolves stated: “That it is an indispensable duty which we owe to God, our country, ourselves and posterity, by all lawful ways and means in our power to maintain, defend and preserve those civil and religious rights and liberties, for which many of our fathers fought, bled and died, and to hand them down entire to future generations … and that the inhabitants of those...

“Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves.” ~ Dr. Joseph Warren, 1775 Monday Boston showed what it means to act worthy of yourself through their strength and courage to help those around them. They have been a true example of the American Spirit. Blog...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

Dr. Joseph Warren, one of the more notable members of the Sons of Liberty, was born on this date in 1741. It was Warren, after receiving intelligence on the impending attack by the British on Concord, who sent William Dawes and Paul Revere on their midnight rides to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock and sound the alarm. Warren later led troops in the battles of Lexington and Concord and later at Bunker Hill, where he helped inspire the men to hold their ground against the British, and where was killed in action. In his honor, we raise the Sons...

He arrived just as the fight began, and seeking out General Putnam (who was already there) desired to be posted where the service was to be the most arduous. Putnam expressed sorrow at seeing him, in a place so full of peril; “but since you have come, I will obey your orders with pleasure.” Warren replied, that he came as a volunteer – not to command. Putnam requested his to take his stand in the redoubt, where Prescott commanded, On his entering the redoubt, he was greeted with loud huzzas; and Prescott, like Putnam, offered him the command. He again...

U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. We hope to provide an ongoing source of information about issues and problems that are specific to Veterans and resources that are available to Veterans and their families. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood...

On the evening of June 16, 1775, Colonel William Prescott took 1,200 Massachusetts and Connecticut soldiers to fortify Bunker Hill. General Thomas Gage had ordered that the position be captured. Mistakenly, Prescott passed the position, digging in at a lower position known as Breed’s Hill. What would ensue was a furious battle that would embolden the American people. The British, though victorious, were taught a painful lesson. The British casualties that were injured or killed totaled 1,054. It was a demoralizing victory, and as General Henry Clinton noted, “It was a dear bought victory, another such would have ruined us.”...

Overview: On June 17, 1775 the Battle of Bunker Hill took place. It is one of the most important colonial victories in the U.S. War for Independence. Fought during the Siege of Boston, it lent considerable encouragement to the revolutionary cause. This battle made both sides realize that this was not going to be a matter decided on by one quick and decisive battle. When the British planned to occupy Dorchester Heights on the Boston Peninsula, the colonists became alarmed at the build up of British troops off of the coast. The colonists decided that action had to be taken...