Tribute To Our Founding Fathers & Veterans On Our Nation’s 250th Birthday
By Commander Dan O’Shea (SEAL) USN (ret)
July 4, 2026
Public Domain
250 years ago, today, July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. Written by Thomas Jefferson, the proclamation officially severed our political ties to England and asserted our status as an independent nation. It was the shot across the bow by thirteen colonies against the most powerful nation in the world.
250 years ago, the British Navy ruled the seven seas with more than 270 vessels, including a hundred heavily armed warships called "ships of the line” the Aegis guided missiles Cruisers of the day. The American Continental Navy originally consisted of only 8 active, armed vessels that were refitted merchant ships and schooners rather than purpose-built warships. The British, led by Gen Willam Howe mustered an expeditionary force of 32,000 professional English soldiers and an additional 18,000 German mercenaries (called Hessians). 50,000 against General George Washington’s Continental Army of less than 20,000 volunteers -- undisciplined citizen-soldiers who lacked uniforms, standardized weapons, and formal military training. Twenty percent % of the colonial population, known as “Torries”, remained loyal to the King of England.
The odds were not in our favor – What was? Destiny…
https://armedforces.press/dan-oshea-column/2026/07/04/tribute-to-our-founding-fathers-veterans-on-our-nations-250th-birthday/
