Editor, Gazette-Journal:
Last week, on September 7, I found myself immersed in a bit of American history, reflecting the events of 1774—exactly 250 years ago. The subject was the Boston Tea Party, a pivotal moment that followed eight years of the King of England ignoring the colonies’ pleas for lower taxes and greater freedoms. In response, the king blockaded Boston Harbor and stationed British troops.
In the face of such oppression, the colonies convened in Philadelphia to strategize their defense and chart a path forward. This gathering marked the first “Congress” of our nascent nation. Despite being nearly defenseless against the mighty Great Britain, the colonists found the resolve to challenge a powerful centralized government that was already cracking down on them.
The Congress’s first day of meetings, September 7, began with prayers led by Reverend Duché. His words moved many to tears, as all present understood the grave risks of opposing the British government. This resolve cul...