Originally Written: June 28-30, 2022

Edited: July 2, 2022

Two years ago I gave an Edu-Talk on the Battle of Monmouth. My research inspired the following piece. I originally wrote this piece around the anniversary of the battle which happened June 28, 1778. The Battle of Monmouth doesn’t have the same significance as Saratoga or Yorktown, but it is perhaps the first battle after the Continental Army left Valley Forge. During my research on the battle, I read the importance of Valley Forge and knew it had to be emphasized. A year later I would do a talk just on Valley Forge (an ‘ol Iron Works, perhaps forged for this new army an iron will?)

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Forged at Valley Forge
A Continental camaraderie
drilled in discipline.
military momentum
officers and soldiers
shoulder to shoulder
versed in resources.
to secure for these United States
the passionate declaration of 1776
for the Glorious Cause, 
marched through Jersey.
held their ground on the field at Monmouth.
its courthouse, orchard and ye Old Tennent Church
still bear witness,
of a day that spared no quarter
yet the fruits of their trials buried
in hallowed ground for centuries.
A victory of morale
the men in blue and buff carried
with them in their hearts
drove them through Southern campaigns
til the Revolution’s grand finale,
a final volley of muskets
and surrendered sword,
the subsequent dried ink upon parchment
recognized and fully realized
what the sum of thirteen 
a league of friendship procured
both Great Britain and America’s ally (Dear France)
saw before their eyes
the birth of a new Nation
baptized in Faith and Freedom in 1783
a treaty signed and sealed the deal.

May America live thusly 
May a “More Perfect Union”
march onward
Defended and cherished throughout the land,
pause July 4th and forevermore	,
let Liberty’s bell toll,
through Independence Hall 
keep the lanterns burning Glory’s light,
at Old North Church.
Raise the Stars and Stripes
to the floor of heaven
hold steadfast to her Constitution, 
for “We the People”
every Patriot’s pride and purpose must prevail… 
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