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ABC in KMC: Independence Day
by Gina Hutchins-Inman, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Many of us are celebrating 250 years of freedom, independence and democracy on this weekend. Some may be visiting the Freedom Fest at Ramstein or festivities at other installations. Others may use the long weekend for a get-away to venture out to one of Europe’s idyllic places, and some may just enjoy the long weekend with family and friends.
In celebration of the occasion, let us reflect upon which events led to the struggle for freedom and the people from our region here who also supported the cause. After the French and Indian War, Britain faced a massive debt and sought to compensate costs through a variety of taxes and revenue measures — the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, and later the Tea Act.
The measures weren’t only of financial nature but struck at the heart of colonial autonomy. Until then, colonists enjoyed a measure of self-governance and found these taxes unfairly levied without any direct representation in Parliament. Tension escalated with defiant acts of resistance like the Boston Tea Party when Britain then retaliated with the Coercive Acts, which restricted colonial freedoms and eventually set the stage for armed conflict.
Quest for Independence
The Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775 symbolized a definitive break with British authority and the infringement of self-rule ignited the spark of the American War for Independence.
A group of brilliant minds, united by a passion for liberty, began drafting the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson in the lead, while John Adams tirelessly lobbied for independence and Benjamin Franklin’s diplomatic verbiage was instrumental in shaping the final document. Their contributions provided the ideological underpinning that justified separation from Britain, finally creating a new nation.
The fight for American freedom also attracted a diverse group of supporters. Many German immigrants — especially those settled in Pennsylvania and upstate New York — joined the patriot cause, driven by their own aspirations for social and political renewal. Other European and Irish immigrants, too, played a vital role. With a long history of struggle against oppression back home, Irish volunteers and state militia fighters supported the Continental Army. In addition, the revolutionary banner was endorsed by figures such as the French Marquis de Lafayette, the Polish nobleman Casimir Pulaski, and the Prussian military expert Baron von Steuben — all of whom brought invaluable military expertise and international solidarity to the cause.
The Battle of Saratoga in October 1777 was a turning point in the war where American forces defeated the British and also convinced France to formally ally with the American cause by providing military support. The Battle of Monmouth in June 1778 then showcased the discipline of the Continental Army under General George Washington.
Yorktown meets Royal Deux-Ponts
Count Christian IV of Zweibrücken was very Francophile and engaged in close ties with the French court. When King Louis XV needed troops, Christian readily stepped in and recruited soldiers in Homburg, parts of the Palatinate and the Alsace. Today’s KMC was in the Duchy of Palatinate-Zweibrücken at that time. Christian quickly activated the Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment in 1757, and it is noted that Benjamin Franklin personally travelled to Paris after declaring independence, soliciting military support. French troops were sent overseas, and one of them was the Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment from Zweibrücken that set sail in 1780.
Little did the Palatines know that they were headed to the “new world” as they were told that they would fight against British soldiers (believing they were heading to Britain). Once at sea they quickly realized that they were on a longer voyage and would eventually play a pivotal role in the quest for freedom. Surprisingly, they also found themselves fighting against other Germans from Hesse, who had been commissioned by the British Crown. Christian IV’s son Christian von Forbach was appointed as regiment commander, while his brother Wilhelm von Forbach was charged as brigade commander.
Turn of the tide
After years of battle and the colonies on the verge of defeat, Cornwallis’ troops outnumbered the joint American and French Army by far and had entrenched themselves in Yorktown. They tried to force the city to declare defeat. The turn of the tide occurred Oct. 14, 1781, when Wilhelm von Forbach managed to break through their lines with his brigade at “Redoute 9” near Yorktown and consequently contributed to the British troops having to capitulate five days later Oct. 19.
The regiment played a decisive role with only 29 casualties in the turning point of the thirteen colonies eventually gaining independence only two years later. Christian and Wilhelm von Forbach were personally honored by America’s first president George Washington and the majority of soldiers returned to their homes two years later in 1783. Some of them decided to stay and their legacy lives on with typical German last names, such as Müller (Miller), Schmidt (Smith), Schneider, Wagner, Becker, Hoffmann, Klein, Bauer, and Weber. A painting by John Trumbull of Christian and Wilhelm von Forbach together with George Washington hangs at the capital in Washington D.C.
Yorktown is the sister city of Zweibrücken, just around the corner from the KMC, and delegates that come for official visits never fail to underline this important achievement. America’s independence inspired others to claim freedom and the Royal Deux-Ponts regiment later also fought during the French Revolution after the Storm of the Bastille in Paris in 1789. In addition, a group of German settlers of over 200,000 soldiers for the Union played a decisive role in the Civil War almost a century later.
This year is widely recognized as the 250th anniversary of the outbreak of the war that set America on its path to self-rule. The anniversary serves as a reminder of both the sacrifices made on the battlegrounds and the enduring legacy of fighting for the rights that now form the backbone of American democracy. It also demonstrates the resilience of the American people and the strategic importance of international alliances.
An array of events is scheduled throughout the year in commemoration to honor the achievements of those who fought for independence but also serve as a reminder of the enduring values of freedom and speech that continue to inspire generations today.
Happy Independence Day!
