Daughters of the American Revolution Celebrate July 4

The Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) remind us that July 4th is more than hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill on a hot summer’s day. Two Hundred and thirty-eight years ago on a hot summer’s day in Philadelphia the reasons for independence from Great Britain were spelled out in a Declaration of Independence authored by Thomas Jefferson with minor changes by Ben Franklin and John Adams (http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html). 

The Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress, effectively severed relations with Great Britain and allowed our new United States to conclude an alliance with France. The areas around Shelton (White Hills), Derby, and Monroe welcomed the French troops as they marched from RI to VA in 1781.

St. Paul’s in Shelton had to close its doors because it was a Church of England parish and swore allegiance to the King of England. After the war it reorganized into the Episcopal Church and reopened (http://www.stpaulsct.org/service-times).

Let’s enjoy our outdoor activities on this July 4th and be thankful for the courage and fortitude of those who fought for our freedoms then and now.
 
The DAR perpetuates the memory and spirit of the men and women who won American independence. The group also helps maintain historic state properties. Any woman over 18 who can prove an ancestor served in the American Revolution is a prospective member. For more information on the DAR visit http://www.sarahriggshumphreysDAR.org