"..I know not why I fight, but I know that I am right.  I have lost many friends, but my conviction seems to grow stronger each day.  This land is a violent one.  Shall I die before this battle has been decided, my precious wife who I left behind will be proud. My children will honor my memory for all the days of their lives......."

.........continental army soldier

The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst of the representatives of the people of the United States, naturally recalls the period when the administration of the present form of government commenced, and I can not omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country on the success of the experiment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign Arbiter of Nations that His providential care may still be extended to the United States, that the virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the Government which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties may be perpetual....

........president Washington's final annual message to congress..december 7, 1796

• 23 % of high school students do not know which country we were at war with during the American Revolution.
• 15% of the students are not aware that the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776

*Study sponsored by the Colonial Williamsburgh Foundation