January-February 2026 - AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 - Issue #9 Get Fired Up For America

FIREWORKS & TEMPERS ARE ABLAZING AS THE BRITSH* BOMBARD AND SET FIRE TO NORFOLK, VIRGINIA

180*days until USA 250 independence day

time FOR “U.S. all” to Turn Things around and Aspire to American Awesomeness

Common Sense

250th Anniversary

1776 - The Continental Congress Sought Foreign Alliances...

Today USA seeks yours!

The Gift of Enthusiasm for America

Awesome American Citizenship

TIME TO GET FIRED UP FOR AMERICA - A GREAT USA

The “American Flag” Flies for the1st time January 1st,1776 - 250 years ago

25O RESOLUTION

ISSUE #9 JAN/FEB 2026

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AMERICA’S FIRST FLAG - “THE UNION JACK” - JANUARY 1, 1776

The first U.S. stamp to feature the Grand Union Flag (also sometimes called the Continental Colors), was a 6-cent stamp issued on July 4, 1968.

It was part of the Historic American Flags series, which commemorated early colonial symbols.

The Grand Union Flag marked the start of the American Revolutionary period with its Union Jack canton and 13 stripes

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STAND TALL AMERICA!

STAND TALL AMERICA - WITH A PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE USA

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HIGH ATOP AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN - JANUARY 1 - PIKES PEAK AdAmAn

There has been a wonderful Colorado Springs tradition, which takes place high atop America’s Mountain the world-famous Pikes Peak - each January 1st, that has faithfully gone on since the idea’s inception in 1922. The mountaineering tradition is the AdAmAn Club - a committed group of mountaineers who make the trek up the snowy slopes of Barr Trail on the east face of the mountain, each year on December 30th and 31st. The reason for their wintery trek? FIREWORKS of course! ... Which take place at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. AdAmAn members and their guests ignite a glorious fireworks display from the summit to usher in the New Year - And it is quite a remarkable show! On a clear night, the fireworks display can be seen for hundreds of miles along the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies and surrounding plains.

The AdAmAn Club originated with the founding 1922 team of five friends, calling themselves the "Frozen Five” - Ed Morath, Fred Morath, Fred Barr, Willis Magee and Harry Standley. Their firebrand idea was that each year, they would add only one new member to the club, dubbing the name “AdAmAn” (add a man).

Today, each new year, club members choose one new member from a list of applicants wanting to join the roster. To date that group number is 109 members with a 105 New Year’s climbs in their hiking belts. Each year’s climbing party of members and guests, leave the trailhead of Barr Trail to Barr Camp, on December 30th (with an overnight stay). Then on December 31st, mirrors are flashed from the group’s location at timberline, to friends and families in the Colorado Springs area below. Early that afternoon, the ascent from timberline at 12,000 feet, continues onward, up the icy and snow-swept slopes (where wind chills sometimes reach -50 degrees), to the14,110-foot Pikes Peak summit - with glorious New Year cheers by all.

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PIKES PEAK - “AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN” - Colorado Springs, Colorado - USA The spot of inspiration in 1893, For the Nation’s Song: America the Beautiful - Released July 4th, 1895 And source of inspiration for the Nation’s Beautiful Patriotic USA 250th Birthday Magazine:

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, Who more than self their country love And mercy more than life!

America! America!

May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine!

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL - A SONG OF INSPIRATION FOR ALL OF U.S.

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A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER FOR AMERICA FROM NEW YEAR’S 1776

A Simple New Year’s Prayer From January 1776

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven.

In the language of the Holy Writ, there is a time for all things.

There is a time to preach and a time to fight.

And now is...

The time to fight!"

- Rev. John Peter Muhlenburg

In January 1776, right during church, drums began to roll, men kissed their wives and then walked down the aisle to enlist in the Continental Army - and off they marched ...

WHAT IN HEAVEN’S NAME JUST HAPPENED? A FIREWORKS MESSAGE WAS PREACHED FROM A YOUNG, FIRED-UP “ALL AMERICAN” PASTOR, SHOUTING “LETS GO MIGHTY AMERICANS!” THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED...

A fed-up & fired-up, 30-year-old, Rev. John Peter Muhlenburg preached a message on Ecclesiastes 3:1, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven." He closed his message by saying: “In the language of the Holy Writ, there is a time for all things. There is a time to preach and a time to fight. And now is the time to fight.” He then threw off his clerical robes to reveal the uniform of an officer in the Continental Army. 300 “Spirit-Filled” men jumped to their feet and marched off with “The Fighting Pastor” to join General Washington's troops, to fight for the American Revolution.

That must have been quite a sermon. The fiery sermon was proclaimed from the Pastor’s church in Virginia. His message certainly lit the spark, and the explosion was heard throughout the colonies. John’s brother, Frederick Muhlenberg, was also a minister, who served at a church in New York.

Frederick’s response to his brother was like that of some standoffish and detached advice today, “WE DON’T NEED TO GET INVOLVED”

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”We need to preach and stay in the church,” Frederick admonished his brother. “We’re not supposed to cross the line and be in politics... we’re supposed to be preachers.”

Frederick wrote to his brother, opposed John Peter’s involvement in politics: “You have become too involved in matters which, as a preacher, you have nothing whatsoever to do.” John Peter wrote back to Frederick, calling him a British Tory sympathizer. Some brotherly, fighting words, but not ones that would get Frederick to jump ship yet. While there were plenty on fiery messages being sent around and preached from the pulpits throughout the colonies, it really was highly unusual to step out of the position of minister.

To wear a soldier’s uniform under your priestly robes? Heaven Forbid! That was unthinkable and Rev. Frederick continued in his staunch way… up until the time, that is, when the British burned down his church.

When that happened, Frederick instantly changed his tune and responded in kind to his brothers call and example: “There is a time to preach and a time to fight.

And now is the time to fight!”

Frederick decided he was now going to fight.

He joined the military and later ended up serving as Secretary of State and Speaker of the House, following in his brother’s footsteps of Military service and then a life of politics.

Along with being the founder of the BlackRobed Regiment, “The Reverend” John Peter Muhlenburg became the Vice-President of Pennsylvania, 1785; a member of the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, 1790; a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania, 1793; and U.S. Senator, 1801.

In 1889, Pennsylvania chose Rev. John Peter Muhlenburg’s statue to represent their State in the Statuary Hall at Washington, D.C. Also, In D.C., at the corner of Connecticut Ave. and Ellicott St., there is a bronze statue memorializing his life with ta fine inscription: JOHN PETER GABRIEL MUHLENBERG 1746-1807 SERVING HIS CHURCH, HIS COUNTRY, HIS STATE...

THE “FIGHTING PARSON OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION”

A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER FOR AMERICA FROM NEW YEAR’S 1776

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TIME TO GET AMERICA FIRED UP - BUT IN A GOOD WAY!

January 1st, 1776 - Norfolk, Virginia is set ablaze A terrible New Year’s tale of war and destruction Let’s start this 250th year on a better note America!

Time to get fired-up...

But, in a good way 1976 Bicentennial postcard depicting the burning of Norfolk - Jan. 1st, 1776

The Burning Of Norfolk, Virginia, 1776 - Drawing by Print Collector

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AMERICA’S FIRST FLAG - “THE UNION JACK” - JANUARY 1, 1776

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STAND TALL AMERICA - WITH A PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE USA

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HIGH ATOP AMERICA’S MOUNTAIN - JANUARY 1 - PIKES PEAK AdAmAn

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL - A SONG OF INSPIRATION FOR ALL OF U.S.

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A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER FOR AMERICA FROM NEW YEAR’S 1776

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TIME TO GET AMERICA FIRED UP - BUT IN A GOOD WAY!

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 - TABLE OF CONTENTS

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A MESSAGE TO AMERICA FROM THE PUBLISHER

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 - NEW YEAR’S DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT

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AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 -PROMOTING LITEREATURE & THE ARTS

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 - LEARNING FROM OUR NATION’S HISTORY

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SO WHERE DO WE START AMERICA? FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

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MORE “COMMON SENSE” FROM AMERICA’S FIRST SELF-HELP BOOK

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JANUARY 1, 1776 - NORFOLK, VIRGINIA SET ABLAZE - “WHO DONE IT?”

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SAIL250 VIRGINIA - AN EPIC PEACETIME CELEBRATION OF THE 250TH

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THE AMERICAN CRISIS - THEN IN 1776 AND NOW IN 2026

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THE GIFT OF ENTHUSIASM FOR AMERICA

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TEAM USA250 The Extraordinary America Makeover

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AMERICA NEEDS HELP - A NEW YEAR’S “MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE”

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AWESOME AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP NEEDED - COUNTING ON YOU

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CONTRIBUTE TO THE AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 MESSAGE

USA

“I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT BOOKS” - THOMAS JEFFERSON

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 - TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 - TABLE OF CONTENTS

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A MESSAGE TO AMERICA FROM THE PUBLISHER

Significant stories deserve significant attention.

They did then, in 1776, and they do now, in 2026.

That is what AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 aims to do, in all the issues leading up to the Nation’s 250th.

In retelling Patriotic stories and applying their significance to today, we are beating the drum to help build America’s character, which will lead the way to “All American,” Awesome American Citizenship!

THOMAS JEFFERSON ONCE SAID, “I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT BOOKS”

We hope you will enjoy and apply this one!

The pages are written before you...The reading is up to you.

Happy New Year America

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The National Anthem O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 - NEW YEAR’S DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT

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AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

LISTEN UP AMERICA...

The first monument of the United States - Honored a Founding Father “This monument is erected by order of Congress 25th January 1776 - to transmit to posterity a grateful remembrance of the patriotism, conduct, enterprise & perseverance of Major General Richard Montgomery, who after a series of successes, amidst the most discouraging difficulties, fell in the attack on Quebec, 31st Dec. 1775 Aged 37 years”

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wonderful work of ploughing the fields, building a grain mill, and eagerly laying the foundation for a dream home which you have already named "Grasmere” as an ode to the homeland hamlet, you’ve left behind in England.

“New York”... America!,” you sing... and then it hits you, as if the clover you just picked in your field was one of the four-leaf kind. With a smiling thought of your native birthplace, you muse, “The luck of the Irish ... my dream has finally come true, and here is my pot of gold” Imaging you are 35-years-old and have finally found the love of your life. She is here in America (where you now live for the second time - It’s been just one year now). Your travels around the globe - with half your young life already spent in war - has you now with the dream to settle down and stop fighting.

You marry and are gifted a nice little cottage by your wife’s grandfather.

You’ve purchased adjoining land ... and in peace, you have happily gotten to the

Holding up the shiny green gem, high in front of you, as you look out upon the horizon of your “American” home, you exclaim, “I’ve never been so happy in all my life”. Then, in your amazement and bewilderment by it all - the past included - a nagging thought just as quickly creeps in and you mutter somber and disbelieving words aloud, “This cannot last, it cannot last.”

AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

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AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

Such was the life and words of young, Richard Montgomery. For half his life already, Richard had been in battle. Not at first by his choosing. Richard had been a studious lad who loved learning.

At age 16, Richard entered Trinity College Dublin. He loved it... however he would not graduate or receive a degree.

Instead, he was urged by his father and oldest brother to join the “British” military, which he did a bit reluctantly.

There was a legacy to live up to, as Richard’s Father was an Officer in the British Army and a member of Parliament, to boot. March! were the orders and at 18, Richard left school to join the military of the Royal Crown (the 17th Regiment of Foot). Five months later, the new ensign was deployed overseas - off to Nova Scotia.

Richard fought all during the Seven Years War, up to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in February 1763. He was by this time, a Captain - age 25.

Travels had taken him far to this point Nova Scotia, New York, the Caribbean, Havana, and back to New York until the end of the war.

There was a little breather and then The Ottawa Chief, Pontiac, got riled up and was on the war path. Battle was on once again. This time it was “The Pontiac War,” against the 18 Indian tribes who were outraged by France’s surrender and the British policies that negatively affected the Indian tribes.

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After this Montgomery was spent and in ill health. He returned to England to recover. It was here in England, that Montgomery began associating with Whig Members of Parliament, who principally supported the colonists in their demands for more political freedom. Montgomery became friends with several prominent Whigs while stationed and recuperating in Britain.

He spent much of his time with Edmund Burke and others of similar mindset, discussing politics. This led to him question British Government policies.

Love was also in the air, and the now the 30-year-old, still Captain, was engaged. Unfortunately, his fiancée was unfaithful, and the wedding plans were called off. Richard was heartbroken, disillusioned and discouraged - in mind, body, and spirit. And then to make matters worse, Richard was passed over for promotion. This was most likely because of his new-found political affiliations. All-in-all, Richard was done!

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AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

The dis-”engaged” and disenchanted warrior, Captain Richard Montgomery, had decided to never marry or take up arms again. It was now July 1772.

Richard sold his British Army commission and left the military forever.

With the earnings from his military commission sale, he bought scientific instruments along with surveying and draftsmen's tools ... and with tools in hand, the lonely young man and weary warrior, sailed for America to become a “Gentleman” Farmer.

Man, oh man, how quickly love and war, can change a guy By the time he arrived in New York, the difficulties between England and the Colonies were already brewing.

Montgomery was getting settled into his new surroundings and quickly adopted the patriots’ cause. While getting adjusting to his new “American Life”, he rekindled a friendship with Janet Livingston, whom he had briefly met during his previous service in New York.

The change of heart didn’t take long for Richard. After just months of courtship, Richard received Janet’s father’s blessing to marry and the two were wed in late July 1773. Well, Fancy that!

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Scene from history of Rhinebeck, New York - circa. 1774 Murals in the Rhinebeck Post Office, 1940. Mural commissioned for Rhinebeck, NY post office by WPA Section of Fine Arts Art in Public Buildings Program, Mural creator Olin Dows, 1904-1981 - Sketches for the Rhinebeck post office murals were first executed by Dows and transferred to linen canvas. This was then colored with thin turpentine glazes and installed with a dextrine adhesive. Images were photographed by C.B. Ross and Edward Campeau.

"General Richard Montgomery and his wife, Janet Livingston, plant locust seedlings on what will become the lawn of "Grasmere.”

The bricks were baked in a home-made kiln.

An ox tramples clay near an 18th-century cottage on the south Post Road...”

“General Montgomery was killed leading the assault at Quebec in 1775. His widow completed the house and lived there till 1803, later selling it to her sister, and building Montgomery Place at Annandale." Also in this panel: "A Tory is relieved of his gun while men take the Revolutionary Pledge and drill."

AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

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AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

Now settled down and married into the Patriotic Livingston Family, Richard saw himself as an American instead of an Englishman, and he began to turn against the British government, believing that it was being oppressive to the cause of liberty of the colonists.

deputies to represent the New York Provincial Congress in the Second Continental Congress. The first session of the New York Provincial Congress began in late May, when 97 delegates, including Montgomery, signed a new resolution ratifying its authority.

See what Love & War can do to a guy

Montgomery, being new to all this side of life, was a moderate Patriot.

While he believed that the British Government was wrong, he hoped for an honorable & sensible reconciliation with the Crown. That was in late May.

A few months into their marriage, Janet shared with Richard, a dream she had, in which Richard was killed in a duel. Richard thinking back to the clover he held looking out upon the field, replied, “I have always told you that my happiness is not lasting…Let us enjoy it as long as we may and leave the rest to God.” Thanks be to God, I am now an American farmer, he smiled to himself, with a hefty, heartfelt sigh.

The curious plans of God and Man Richard had taken a liking to New York and New York a liking to him. So much so, that in May of 1775, Montgomery was elected as one of the ten region

Just weeks later, on June 15, 1775, shortly after the Second Continental Congress officially formed the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as Commander-inChief, it then asked the New York Provincial Government to select two men for service as major general and brigadier general of the Army. Philip Schuyler and Richard Montgomery were top candidates for these lofty and dangerous positions.

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Montgomery knew he was under consideration for the brigadier general position, but he did not publicly show any desire for the appointment. Also knowing that most of the assembly favored Philip Schuyler for the position of major general, Montgomery was free to share his concerns. He did not believe that Schuyler had enough combat experience for such an appointment. He wrote, "Phil Schuyler was mentioned to me. His consequence in the province makes him a fit subject for an important trust – but has he strong nerves? I could wish to have that point well ascertained with respect to any man so employed."

A week later, on June 22, overlooking Montgomery’s concerns, Philip Schuyler wound up the man who was appointed as major general. Montgomery was appointed as brigadier general - ranking him second in command of all the rest of the brigadier generals to next be appointed for ARMY service.

Quite the twist of fate, War doth bring It was now only two years into the quiet, “unmarried” and “war-free” life Montgomery had set out for upon leaving England. He was now not only married, but and a new general in the Continental Army.

How’s that for a change of plans?

Upon his appointment, Brigadier General Montgomery wrote, "The Congress having done me the honor of electing me brigadier-general in their service, is an event which must put an end, for awhile, perhaps for ever, to the quiet scheme of life I had prescribed for myself; for, though entirely unexpected and undesired by me, the will of an oppressed people, compelled to choose between liberty and slavery, must be obeyed.” Now there’s an “All-American”

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AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

And so, the drums of war did beat Just days after his appointment, off to war Montgomery would go. Passing through New York to Boston, George Washington assigned Montgomery as deputy commander under Schuyler, along with orders from the Continental Congress to invade Canada - beginning the weeks to come. Days later, Montgomery would kiss his wife goodbye. Unknowingly, that would be their last. Montgomery left his quiet, “gentleman” farmstead and his “faithful” bride, to assume command of his Headquarters at Fort Ticonderoga.

There he found the officers to be vulgar and the troops (in his words), the “sweepings” of society. His first duty was to shape these rag-tag beatniks, into an efficient and competent army, as they advanced down Lake Champlain to besiege several Canadian towns along the path to Montreal and ultimately Quebec City. This was not going to prove to be an easy task - nor was the fighting going to be either.

In the months of fighting, General Schuyler became ill and was forced to step down in September. This left Montgomery in command. At one point on the journey, General Montgomery was ready to resign, telling Washington in a letter he could tolerate the illmannered troops no longer, but in the more eloquent words, “I must go home.

I am weary of power and totally want that patience and temper so requisite for such a command.”

Washington replied and talked him out of the idea. Heralded for “his manliness of soul, heroic bravery, and suavity of manners,” “The General” knew he must march on. Most of his troops were enlisted only through December’s end and would soon be free to depart.

The time was now!

Doubling his efforts, Montgomery would capture Fort Chambly and St. John’s in October and Montreal on November 11th. Then he advanced to seize Quebec City.

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“Push on brave boys... Quebec is ours!”

Montgomery shouted - leading the charge

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On Montgomery’s 37th birthday December 2nd - he joined up with Brigadier General Benedict Arnold. In the effort to breach the town’s fortifications, the combined forces set out making plans to besiege the city.

On December 30th - the snow began to fall, and a dreadful wind screeched in upon the troops. “Prepare the men,” the officers shouted into the howling tempest - as orders went out amongst the ranks, for the men to be ready for a midnight attack on the last day of 1775.

Montgomery led the charge however, the joint attack would soon prove calamitous. Almost immediately upon trying to the breach of the walls, Montgomery was shot point-blank, from a hidden British position. He fell back into the arms of Aaron Burr (the future 3rd Vice President), who had been fighting alongside Montgomery during the assault. Montgomery gasped, ”We shall be in the fort in two minutes,” and then breathed his last.

This left the rest of the troops in a panicked situation. The charges of grape-shot had torn through Montgomery and six of his officers, leaving troops stunned and confused as to what to do next. Hundreds of soldiers were either killed of captured and the remaining forces hurriedly, made a quick and disoriented retreat.

Burr attempt to pull the general’s body from the snow, however the large drifts made this quite impossible. With great regret, Burr had to abandon Montgomery’s body there in the frigid drifts amongst the other dead officers.

At the break of day, British soldiers found Montgomery’s body lying among the carnage. Having great admiration for Montgomery, themselves, the British officers had the general buried there in Quebec, with full military honors. Wow, loved and respected by your enemies...

How Amazing is that America?

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“Weep, America, for thou hast lost one of thy most virtuous and bravest sons!”

Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec by John Trumbull

On January 25, 1776, The Continental Congress approved the establishment of the first American monument in memory of General Montgomery. He was heralded as an American hero throughout the thirteen colonies and Patriots would use his death to promote their cause in the Revolutionary War.

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AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

The fallen general became an instant American martyr.

News of Major General Montgomery’s death did not reach Washington until mid-January, just days after Washington had written Montgomery these words: “Every account from your Qr Serves to Confirm our hopes that you will get possesion of Quebec, if not allready in yr hands - I must beg therefore your attention to the Wants of the Army here—which are not few, & if they Cannot in Some part be Supplied by you, I do not know where else I Can apply...”

Washington and the entirety of Congress were shocked upon receiving the news of Montgomery’s death. While his Patriotic service was brief, Montgomery was viewed as a hero throughout the thirteen colonies.

Patriots throughout the colonies utilized the Life and death of Montgomery to promote the call for freedom and the “American” way.

In his last correspondence to his devoted wife, who he had written to just weeks before, he stated: “I wish it [the siege of Quebec City] was well over with all my heart, I sigh for home ... depend on it, the instant I can with decency slip my neck out of the yoke, I will return to my family and farm.”

This all bore witness to the seriousness of the call for liberty. Major General Montgomery’s courage and death were celebrated as an “All American” Patriotic symbol of service and sacrifice.

To rally public support for the revolutionary war effort and build advocacy for separation from Britain, Benjamin Franklin resolutely, convinced the Continental Congress to commission a monument in honor of Montgomery.

Even though there was an impending war and congressional funds were scarce, the Continental Congress approved Franklin’s request on Jan 25th, 1776.

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Congress allocated Benjamin Franklin 300 pounds sterling and the personal responsibility to secure and oversee the monument’s creation. With Congress’s approval and money in hand, Franklin set out to do Montgomery right. He headed to France and sought out Jean-Jacques Caffieri - the famous French royal sculptor from Versailles. Caffieri accepted and got to the long work - completing the sculpture a year later in 1777.

Upon the statue’s completion, so pleased was Franklin, seeing it, that he had the monument first shown off in Paris, even while his young nation’s independence war, back in America, was still raging on.

Throughout the remaining 7-years of the American Revolutionary War, the monument was hidden away (and at one point, went missing), in North Carolina.

Then, In 1787, the monument reappeared and was transported to the front of St. Paul’s Cathedral in New York City. Pierre L’Enfant (who later became the planner of Washington D.C.), personally, oversaw the monument’s installation.

Jean-Jacques Caffieri Famous French royal sculptor from Versailles, was commissioned by Benjamin Franklin to sculpt America’s first monument honoring Maj. Gen. Montgomery

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AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

When Janet Montgomery received word of her husband’s death, she was deeply heart-stricken. So much so, that the traumatic blow was one which she would never fully recover from. She was 32 years old, and she spent the remainder of her life un-remarried and mournful of “her soldier.”

In 1804, at age fifty-eight, Janet purchased 438 acres on the Hudson River and built a grand new estate in honor of her late-husband - calling it Montgomery Place. At the age of eighty-five, still longing his return, Janet formally requested the New York legislature and Governor Dewitt Clinton, to request that Quebec return her loving soldiers remains to his adopted “American” state.

Honored to do so, Governor Clinton sent a New York delegation to Quebec to attempt to locate the general’s burial site. Amazingly, the 89-year-old British soldier who had supervised Montgomery’s burial, was still alive. He took the delegation to the unmarked grave of General Montgomery, and Quebec authorization was promptly given to return the mortal remains of Gen. Richard Montgomery back to his wife and to New York. It was now 1818 ... and Major General Richard Montgomery would finally be coming home for his eternal rest.

Upon Major General Montgomery’s return to America, the body was ceremonially, transferred to the New York cavalry honor guard and then taken to the state’s capital of Albany. There, on July 4-5, Gen. Richard Montgomery’s ornate casket would lay instate. On the 6th, the casket was placed aboard the steamboat Richmond, for its final journey down the Hudson River on its way to St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City. Governor Clinton sent word to Janet that the steamboat would stop in front of her home at Montgomery Place. When it arrived there, the military band played the death march and muskets were fired in salute. At her request, Janet sat alone on a riverside porch, peering out at the steamboat as it passed in front of her. Deeply overcome with emotion of forty-three years, Janet fainted. it wasn’t until the Steamboat departed, that family and Friends found her there on the veranda.

Grateful for their comfort and attention, she would express her sentiments of the occasion in a letter to her niece:

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Janet Montgomery’s letter to her niece: “At length, they came by, with all that remained of a beloved husband, who left me in the bloom of manhood, a perfect being. Alas! how did he return!

However, gratifying to my heart, yet to my feelings every pang I felt was renewed. The pomp with which it was conducted added to my woe; when the steamboat passed with slow and solemn movement, stopping before my house, the troops under arms, the dead march from the muffled drum, the mournful music, the splendid coffin canopied with crape and crowned by plumes, you may conceive my anguish; I cannot describe it.”

How’s that ladies, for loving your man?

General Montgomery’s body reached Manhattan on July 8, 1818. The public outpouring of nearly 5000 people, was second only to the previous death and public mourning of George Washington.

General Montgomery’s remains were finally, reinterred at St. Paul’s Chapel in lower Manhattan, beneath America’s first monument commissioned

by Congress forty-two years earlier - of which, Benjamin Franklin had composed the words to be inscribed on the statue honoring the memory of Major General Montgomery: “This monument is erected by order of Congress - 25th January 1776 to transmit to posterity a grateful remembrance of the patriotism, conduct, enterprise & perseverance of Major General Richard Montgomery, who after a series of successes, amidst the most discouraging difficulties, fell in the attack on Quebec, 31st Dec. 1775 - Aged 37 years”

The first monument of the United States - Honored a Founding Father Maj. Gen. Richard Montgomery

AMERICA’S FIRST MONUMNENT - HONORING A FOUNDING FATHER/HERO

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 -PROMOTING LITEREATURE & THE ARTS

“To encourage Literature & the arts is a duty which every Good citizen owes to his country” George Washington

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“I agree that it is the duty of every good citizen to use all the opportunities which occur to him, for preserving documents related to the history of our country” - Thomas Jefferson

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 -PROMOTING LITEREATURE & THE ARTS

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 -PROMOTING LITEREATURE & THE ARTS

Hear ye, hear ye...

Awesome American Citizens:

“Remain committed to advancing useful knowledge for “the benefit of Mankind in General ... there is no Rank in Natural Knowledge of equal Dignity and Importance with that of being a good Neighbour or Friend, a good Subject or Citizen” - Benjamin Franklin

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Imagine that ... The Scarecrow

had a poor-self image of himself feeling that his head was just full of stuffing and that he couldn’t do anything, especially what he was made for - scaring crows away.

To best answer that important question, shouldn’t “We the People” the good and wise citizens of America - want to first know what learning really is? That’s a great thought ... so go ahead and take a quick moment to think while asking yourself, “What is learning?” Go on, ask yourself! THINK!, THINK!, THINK! “An interesting exercise!”- Yes, it sure is - for ourselves, our children, our communities and our our Nation - to really start thinking about and giving thoughtful consideration too!

The story of the Scarecrow in the wonderfully famous, Wizard of Oz, provides U.S. a little insight...as It was the Scarecrow, himself, who wanted a brain and who imparts a good starting place for U.S. in answering this “USA Life”- question.

You see, it was the Scarecrow who “thought” that a brain would give him the ability to think, reason and do some problem-solving. Believing he lacked intelligence, he “thought” if he had a brain, he could unravel life’s riddles and “think” upon things he had never thought of before. WOW -

This interesting tale didn’t stop there. The Scarecrow longed for logic, critical-thinking, and the ability to understand complex things. HE WANTED MORE! And he was willing to go on a winding, treacherous, journey to seek & receive what he longed for. Along the frightful quest, Scarecrow applied his “historical smarts,” which proved to be most insightful. He offered ideas & solutions to the difficulties the rag/tag team faced throughout the arduous battle and in getting everyone HOME safely.

Photo - Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 - LEARNING FROM OUR NATION’S HISTORY

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 -LEARNING FROM OUR NATION’S HISTORY

Like the Scarecrow, who wanted to learn as much as he could for himself, having “All American” citizens learn our country’s history is also crucial, because it builds-up informed, emotionally-healthy, self-sufficient, strong, decent, faithful & Awesome American Citizens. A properly informed citizenship fosters a healthy National identity and teaches U.S. not only critical-thinking skills (like the Scarecrow wanted), but a well-informed knowledge, which helps prevent repeating past mistakes. To have a keen knowledge and understanding of the Nation’s past, allows U.S. a sound perspective on present day challenges and hopes for a bright USA future.

Today’s thoughts - based on our “historical smarts” - will hopefully inspire U.S to make wise decisions (both now and into the future). With a shared sense of the country’s history and the National experiences which got us to where we are, and to ”who we are” as Americans, this understanding

of our National character along with the heritage and values we hold sacred - connect us to our roots; give us our identity; explain why things are the way they are; define where we want things for our nation to go; and the commitments we will make, (without fear), to get U.S. there. The wise Scarecrow wasn’t afraid of a witch or anything - except a lighted match... But “he would face a whole box full of them for the chance of getting some brains.” Now that’s the kind of commitment “We The People” of the USA, need today!

Photo - Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

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Learning involves a great deal more than simply thinking. It requires one’s entire being - beliefs, senses, personality, feelings, values, upbringing & intuition, And then it requires one’s will and desire to learn. If “We the People” of the United States of America do not possess the will and fortitude to learn, then we will not only “not” learn, but we will doom ourselves even grater than any Witch’s spell that could be cast upon U.S. - Think America

Photo - Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Photo - Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Without a brain, Scarecrow had a super desire to learn. He was willing to embark upon a rigorous journey of getting a brain. He learned much in the process and was rewarded for his heroism. America too is on a journey & “We the People” should all be smart enough to recognize that while we all have brains, there is a great effort to “Dummy Down” society and thwart the great quest for knowledge & learning.

Instead of U.S. being outstanding in the field, lets seek to be outstanding U.S. citizens.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 -LEARNING FROM OUR NATION’S HISTORY

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SO WHERE DO WE START AMERICA? FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

So where do we start America?

Follow the yellow brick road!

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Lions and Tigers and Bears, and “Common Sense”, Oh my!

America, time to use your brain Common Sense is not scary reading - Nothing to be afraid of...

SO WHERE DO WE START AMERICA? FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

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MORE “COMMON SENSE” FROM AMERICA’S FIRST SELF-HELP BOOK

“Common Sense” America’s First Self-Help Book

“I had formed my plan of life and conceiving myself happy, wished everybody else so.

But when the country, into which I had but just set my foot, was set on fire about my ears it was time to stir.

It was time for every man to stir” - Thomas Paine In the previous issue of AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250, we shared that the single most influential Political Pamphlet ever published in America, was Common Sense. The success of the publication made it an instant bestseller, where in a very short period-of-time, half the population of the American colonies had either read the pamphlet or had it read aloud to them at taverns or meeting places. We shared testimonials of the day from “the likes” of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and from one reader who wrote: “Common Sense is read by all ranks and as many as read, as many become converted” With those heralding remarks, we set out to share excerpts in each of the next issues leading up to the the 250th Birthday of the Nation - to inspire all of U.S. to reason and principle - which was the goal of Thomas Paine, upon the setting his pen to the parchment that lives on.

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In his introduction to the famous 47-page pamphlet, Thomas Paine wrote: “Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general Favor; a long Habit of not thinking a Thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defence of Custom. But the Tumult soon subsides. Time makes more Converts than Reason.”...

His introduction concludes: “The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. Many circumstances have, and will arise, which are not local, but universal, and through which the principles of all lovers of mankind are affected, and in the event of which their affections are interested. The laying a country desolate with fire and sword, declaring war against the natural rights of all mankind, and extirpating the defenders thereof from the face of the earth, is the concern of every man to whom nature hath given the power of feeling; of which class, regardless of party censure, is” In His postscript, Paine shares: “Who the Author of this Production is, is wholly unnecessary to the Public, as the Object for Attention is the Doctrine itself, not the Man. Yet it may not be unnecessary to say, That he is unconnected with any party, and under no sort of Influence, public or private, but the influence of reason and principle.”

How refreshing if America (at large), would be influenced by reason and principle today. In that hope, AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 encourage you to read on and employ the precious jewel of Common Sense.

COMMON SENSE THOUGHTS ON THE PRESENT STATE OF AMERICAN AFFAIRS “In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense: and have no other preliminaries to settle with the reader, than that he will divest himself of prejudice and prepossession, and suffer his reason and his feelings to determine for themselves: that he will put on, or rather that he will not put off, the true character of a man, and generously enlarge his views beyond the present day.

Volumes have been written on the subject of the struggle between England and America.

Men of all ranks have embarked in the controversy, from different motives, and with various designs; but all have been ineffectual, and the period of debate is closed. Arms as the last resource decide the contest; the appeal was the choice of the King, and the Continent has accepted the challenge...”

MORE “COMMON SENSE” FROM AMERICA’S FIRST SELF-HELP BOOK

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MORE “COMMON SENSE” FROM AMERICA’S FIRST SELF-HELP BOOK

...“The Sun never shined on a cause of greater worth. ‘Tis not the affair of a City, a County, a Province, or a Kingdom; but of a Continent—of at least one eighth part of the habitable Globe.

‘Tis not the concern of a day, a year, or an age; posterity are virtually involved in the contest and will be more or less, affected even to the end of time, by the proceedings now. Now is the seed-time of Continental union, faith and honour. The least fracture now will be like a name engraved with the point of a pin on the tender rind of a young oak; the wound would enlarge with the tree, and posterity read it in full grown characters...”

“Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived” - Thomas Paine

... “As much hath been said of the advantages of reconciliation, which, like an agreeable dream, hath passed away and left us as we were, it is but right that we should examine the contrary side of the argument and enquire into some of the many material injuries which these Colonies sustain, and always will sustain, by being connected with and dependant on GreatBritain. To examine that connection and dependance, on the principles of nature and common sense, to see what we have to trust to, if separated, and what we are to expect, if dependant....” ... “It hath lately been asserted in parliament, that the Colonies have no relation to each other but through the Parent Country, i.e. that Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, and so on for the rest, are sister Colonies by the way of England;

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Artist depiction - “Common Sense” public reading - U.S.Constitution.net

"Common Sense" sold more than 120,000 copies in the spring of 1776 & was widely read in public places throughout the colonies

MORE “COMMON SENSE” FROM AMERICA’S FIRST SELF-HELP BOOK

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MORE “COMMON SENSE” FROM AMERICA’S FIRST SELF-HELP BOOK

this is certainly a very roundabout way of proving relationship, but it is the nearest and only true way of proving enmity (or enemyship, if I may so call it.) France and Spain never were, nor perhaps ever will be, our enemies as Americans, but as our being the subjects of Great Britain.

But Britain is the parent country, say some.

Then the more shame upon her conduct. Even brutes do not devour their young, nor savages make war upon their families; Wherefore, the assertion, if true, turns to her reproach; but it happens not to be true, or only partly so, and the phrase parent or mother country hath been jesuitically adopted by the King and his parasites, with a low papistical design of gaining an unfair bias on the credulous weakness of our minds. Europe, and not England, is the parent country of America. This new World hath been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every part of Europe.

Hither have they fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monster; and it is so far true of England, that the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home, pursues their descendants still.

In this extensive quarter of the globe, we forget the narrow limits of three hundred and sixty miles (the extent of England) and carry our friendship on a larger scale; we claim brotherhood with every European Christian, and triumph in the generosity of the sentiment.

It is pleasant to observe by what regular gradations we surmount the force of local prejudices, as we enlarge our acquaintance with the World. A man born in any town in England divided into parishes, will naturally associate most with his fellow parishioners (because their interests in many cases will be common) and distinguish him by the name of neighbour; if he meet him but a few miles from home, he drops the narrow idea of a street, and salutes him by the name of townsman; if he travel out of the county and meet him in any other, he forgets the minor divisions of street and town, and calls him countryman, i. e. countyman: but if in their foreign excursions they should associate in France, or any other part of Europe, their local remembrance would be enlarged into that of Englishmen. And by a just parity of reasoning, all Europeans meeting in America, or any other quarter of the globe, are countrymen; for England, Holland, Germany, or Sweden, when compared with the whole, stand in the same places on the larger scale, which the divisions of street, town, and county do on the smaller ones; Distinctions too limited for Continental minds.

Not one third of the inhabitants, even of this province, [Pennsylvania], are of English descent.

Wherefore, I reprobate the phrase of Parent or Mother Country applied to England only, as being false, selfish, narrow and ungenerous. But, admitting that we were all of English descent, what does it amount to? Nothing.

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Britain, being now an open enemy, extinguishes every other name and title: and to say that reconciliation is our duty, is truly farcical. The first king of England, of the present line (William the Conqueror) was a Frenchman, and half the peers of England are descendants from the same country; wherefore, by the same method of reasoning, England ought to be governed by France.

Much hath been said of the united strength of Britain and the Colonies, that in conjunction they might bid defiance to the world: But this is mere presumption; the fate of war is uncertain, neither do the expressions mean any thing; for this continent would never suffer itself to be drained of inhabitants, to support the British arms in either Asia, Africa, or Europe.

Besides, what have we to do with setting the world at defiance? Our plan is commerce, and that, well attended to, will secure us the peace and friendship of all Europe; because it is the interest of all Europe to have America a free port. Her trade will always be a protection, and her barrenness of gold and silver secure her from invaders. I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation to show a single advantage that this continent can reap by being connected with Great Britain. I repeat the challenge; not a single advantage is derived. Our corn will fetch its price in any market in Europe, and our imported goods must be paid for buy them where we will.

But the injuries and disadvantages which we sustain by that connection, are without number; and our duty to mankind at large, as well as to ourselves, instruct us to renounce the alliance: because, any submission to, or dependance on, Great Britain, tends directly to involve this Continent in European wars and quarrels, and set us at variance with nations who would otherwise seek our friendship, and against whom we have neither anger nor complaint. As Europe is our market for trade, we ought to form no partial connection with any part of it. It is the true interest of America to steer clear of European contentions, which she never can do, while, by her dependance on Britain, she is made the make-weight in the scale of British politics.”

MORE “COMMON SENSE” FROM AMERICA’S FIRST SELF-HELP BOOK

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JANUARY 1, 1776 - NORFOLK, VIRGINIA SET ABLAZE - “WHO DONE IT?”

Norfolk, Virginia is set ablaze...

A terrible New Year’s tale of war and destruction

WHO DONE IT?

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FIREWORKS COMING IN HOT !

In the 1770’s, Virginia was England’s largest and wealthiest, province in North America. The population at the time was nearly a half-million people - of which a significant portion were slaves. Being the largest of the thirteen colonies, this province was led by Lord Dunmore, who served as Virginia’s Royal governor.

It was Dunmore, who in November of 1775, by personal mandate and stated proclamation of the Crown, declared martial law and labeled revolutionaries as traitors. He also went on to offer freedom to enslaved men who would abandon their Patriot masters and fight for the British Crown - in what would come to be called, the Royal Ethiopian Regiment.

This emancipation tactic ignited anger, fear and excitement, all the way around ... and wow, how quickly sparks did fly.

JANUARY 1, 1776 - NORFOLK, VIRGINIA SET ABLAZE - “WHO DONE IT?”

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JANUARY 1, 1776 - NORFOLK, VIRGINIA SET ABLAZE - “WHO DONE IT?”

Virginia’s royal governor, John Murray Dunmore, by mid 1775, had fled the capital of Williamsburg in the face of the growing colony’s Patriot uprising. His aim was to establish a base near Norfolk from which he could combat the rebels.

However, garnering a large numbers of British troops and raising white Loyalist soldiers, proved difficult. Instead, through his proclamation, he organized the Ethiopian Regiment - provided military training and arms to the hundreds of enslaved Black people who jumped at the offer and who sought protection behind British lines. This was the first Black fighting force in British North America...and life was still going to remain rough. On December 9th, 1775, at the Battle of Great Bridge, Lord Dunmore was forced to flee to Norfolk with his army of British Regulars, Loyalist Militia, and the “Liberty” slaves who had already joined him.

Eric Kirk, photographer Illustration by Wood Ronsaville Harlin, Inc.

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They hurried out of the city and took refuge on board a sizable fleet of ships in the harbor. This allowed Captain Woodford and the Patriot soldiers to march into Norfolk to take over the city and set up their positions. For weeks, the American forces prevented British troops from leaving their ships to come ashore to purchase supplies and gather needed resources.

With living quarters being very cramped and conditions on board the ships being awful, Dunmore finally decided to attack on January 1st. The ships opened fire on the town as troops were transported to the shore with orders to burn warehouses.

In response, the American patriots seized the landing parties and began setting fires to the homes of known Loyalists. Things were starting to get HOT! REALLY HOT!

When the smoke and fighting died down (one day later), nearly all the buildings in Norfolk had burned to the ground and loyalists were forced to flee.

While most of the damage was done by the American forces, they used this event as a propaganda tool - highlighting Great Britain’s willingness to use violence even against the King’s loyal subjects.

Lord Dunmore, with the remaining British Flotilla, of 70+ vessels was forced to escape the harbor.

These damaged ships and humiliated troops, made their ultimate way to Gwynne’s Island, where Dunmore would try to establish a new base. There the Ethiopian Regiment and 2,000 blacks sought freedom from slavery. Unfortunately, they brought

JANUARY 1, 1776 - NORFOLK, VIRGINIA SET ABLAZE - “WHO DONE IT?”

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JANUARY 1, 1776 - NORFOLK, VIRGINIA SET ABLAZE - “WHO DONE IT?”

with them, smallpox and typhus and a slew of new heartache.

Seeking to go after Lord Dunmore, American patriots attacked the island. In July of 1776, Dunmore, realized he could not retake control in Virginia, and so he gave up the fight and made his return to England. Upon his departure, Dunmore moved the remaining troops to New York and there, disbanding the Ethiopian Regiment, leaving behind hundreds of the freed slaves who had longing for freedom of their own. There on the Island, most would die of sickness and starvation.

The establishment of Dunmore’s Ethiopian Regiment served as a significant turning point in British policy and then American race relations alike. Dunmore’s Regiment members were the first of nearly 12,000 blacks who served with British forces in North America during the Revolutionary War. Fearing the British would gain a significant manpower advantage, George Washington asked Congress to allow free Black men who had already served to reenlist. This was approved in late January 1776. This led to the first enlistments of free blacks American Patriots. Ultimately, 5,000 to 8,000 African Americans wound up fighting in integrated units of the Continental Army, Navy & state militias.

American Freedom was the shared prize.

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Norfolk is an official port of Sail250® A global gathering of tall ships & military ships to celebrate The 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States

- June 19-23, 2026 -

In an epic peacetime gathering for this milestone occasion, a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships, will sail into the port of Virginia as part of Sail250® America.

https://sail250virginia.com

SAIL250 VIRGINIA - AN EPIC PEACETIME CELEBRATION OF THE 250TH

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THE AMERICAN CRISIS - THEN IN 1776 AND NOW IN 2026

“The present winter is worth an age, if rightly employed; but, if lost or neglected, the whole continent will partake of the evil; and there is no punishment that man does not deserve, be he who, or what, or where he will, that may be the means of sacrificing a season so precious and useful”

The American Crisis Then, 1777 & Now, 2026

Thomas Paine (The American Crisis)

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“These are the times that try men’s souls...”

“The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks, of man and woman.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.

Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so, celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”

THE AMERICAN CRISIS - THEN IN 1776 AND NOW IN 2026

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THE GIFT OF ENTHUSIASM FOR AMERICA

"There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty that makes human nature rise above itself in acts of bravery and heroism."

- Alexander Hamilton

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THE GIFT OF ENTHUSIASM FOR AMERICA

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The root of "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek: "en" (in/within) and "theos" (God), Meaning literally "God within" or "inspired by god" (entheos)

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Enthusiasm

THE GIFT OF ENTHUSIASM FOR AMERICA

should be America’s favorite word, because ENTHUSIASM wraps “U.S.” up in the very middle of the word. That alone should be encouraging for “All Americans” to know. “God inspired” and “God within”

positive

How wonderful to know that we are a “God-inspired” nation and “God within” is at the very core of U.S. What a gift!

confidence

Enthusiasm is a great word - a very positive and hopeful word. As a gift, this is a word the country should embrace and hold near & dear to the heart of America. Give it a try!

ENTHUSIASM

Go Ahead ... without reservation, place your hand on your heart and proudly (enthusiastically), proclaim: God Blessed “me” as an American and God blessed all of U.S. to be a blessing!

That’s the “All American” Spirit - “We The People” need more “All Americans” like you to do the same. So, with great ENTHUSIASM, please give it a go... and with all “hands on deck,” proudly spread this patriotic word, ENTHUSIASM. At the very least, let your enthusiastic spirit shine bright for all of U.S. to see!

dedicated motivation energy optimism genius inspiration

passion

gusto attitude

zeal

excitement eager

spirit

inspire creative happiness

emotion joy

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BEAUTIFUL

TEAM USA 250 - THE EXTRAORDINARY AMERICA MAKEOVER

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AMERICA NEEDS HELP - A NEW YEAR’S “MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE”

In 310 B.C.E., during the age of ancient philosophy, the Greek philosopher Theophrastus, (a pupil of Aristotle), sent the first message in a bottle, to test his theory that the mighty Atlantic Ocean flowed into the Mediterranean Sea. Did anyone get the memo and did word ever get back to him?

That we don’t know... however the “message in a bottle” idea caught on and in the 1490’s, Christopher Columbus sent his very own “message in a Bottle” of his discovery of the New World AMERICA

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After the amazing discovery, Columbus and his crew got caught in a violent storm, while returning to Spain from America. Fearing that they might not make it out of the storm alive, and that he would not be able to tell anyone about his wonderful discovery, he wrote up a short report on a piece of parchment and sent it out in a large wooden barrel (okay, kind of a bottle).

In the note, he wrote an “if Found” request, that the word be forwarded to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. That message was never found either, but lucky for U.S., Columbus made it home and told the amazing story, himself.

Then there is the likely legend/myth (as first told in a novel by the famous Victor Hugo), that British spies and nefarious others, used “messages in bottles” to secretly communicate their notes of mysterious dealings. The tale has if that Queen Elizabeth I, was having none of that and she took prompt action to thwart the practice, by appointing a special “Uncorker of Ocean Bottles.” It is said that she even decreed that all bottles which were found and opened by anyone else, was a capital crime punishable by death.

Doesn’t that make you want to know what’s in the bottle even more?

Step forward Benjamin Franklin, who had a “Message in a bottle” of his own.

AMERICA NEEDS HELP - A NEW YEAR’S “MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE”

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AMERICA NEEDS HELP - A NEW YEAR’S “MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE”

The map on the previous page was one of the earliest maps highlighting the location of the Gulf Stream that was charted and published by Franklin and his cousin, Timothy Folger, in 1769.

Having had no previous knowledge of the Gulf Stream’s origin in the Gulf of “America,” Franklin used “scientific research” drift bottle messages, to chart their map of the Gulf Stream, beginning off the eastern tip of Florida.

Were quite sure, Franklin thought this one through, as he used the “empty bottle” theory to solicit the help of France in the beginnings of the Revolutionary war. To utilize his great American diplomacy, Franklin poured the bottle to successfully tip the scales in persuading France to aid the “rebellious” thirteen colonies. To win the Revolution, America needed allies who could provide manpower, munitions and money - a whole lot of money! His Diplomacy and “relationship building” were the keys to securing all of these.

Like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and many of the other Founding Fathers, Franklin enjoyed drinking Madeira. When needing some help to defend Boston, Franklin sought the assistance of New York Governor George Clinton. Clinton was not initially receptive to the request for help, however according to Franklin’s autobiography, “After a few glasses of Madeira...Clinton quickly succumbed to the powers of persuasion. He at first refus’d us peremptorily; but at dinner with his council, where there was great drinking of Madeira wine … he softened by degrees and said he would lend us six [cannons].

After a few more bumpers he advanc’d to ten; and at length he very good-naturedly, conceded eighteen.” Do you suppose he placed this message in the bottle as a reminder of the success of the night?

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A toast to Benjamin Franklin - Without the assistance of France, the American experiment would almost certainly have failed. To Ben’s credit and lots of his “messages in bottles,” Franklin was the “Toast Master” in convinced France to nearly bankrupt their own government in order to ensure American independence.

AMERICA NEEDS HELP - A NEW YEAR’S “MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE”

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AMERICA NEEDS HELP - A NEW YEAR’S “MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE”

A Toast to America!

Madeira decanter excavated at Monticello

Early American Patriots quickly embraced the tradition of toasting.

Toasting for for them, was mostly for patriotic purposes ... most commonly, heralding the new republic, liberty, freedom, and the experiment of democracy. For many years after the Revolutionary War, 13 toasts were requisite - A toast for each state. No dinner or celebration was considered complete without all 13 tributes.

Today we celebrate AMERICA and all 50 states ... with great joy as the 250th year is upon U.S. Take little sips AMERICA, as you toast your state and the 49 others in the union remembering, “United we stand, Divided we fall” and the New years toast from Benjamin Franklin: “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man (woman)” Put your “message in a bottle” and save it, to be popped open as a toast, on this July 4th - Our Nation’s 250th Birthday.

À votre succès, America!

Resolution - Restore America ATB 250

ATB 250

Please Share Far and Wide - All Across America! (click here)

AWESOME AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP NEEDED - COUNTING ON YOU

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Resolution - Restore America ATB 250

ISSUE #9 JAN/FEB 2026

CONTRIBUTE TO THE AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 250 MESSAGE

What moves you, America?

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Thank you for your support!

Resolution - Restore America

ATB 250