Forging Our Independence in the Valley
We are fortunate to have our Environmental Standards, Inc. headquarters located just minutes away from Valley Forge National Historic Park. The park is a modern-day mecca for 1.2 million runners, bikers and hikers, dog walkers, class trippers and historical reenactors … annually. The park provides 26 miles of trails that weave in and out of the treasures of the park, Washington’s headquarters, an observation tower, memorial markers and reconstructed log cabins similar to those used during the Continental Army’s encampment from December 1777 to June 1778.
The encampment at Valley Forge included approximately 12,000 troops, a militia-type gathering composed of citizen soldiers. During their encampment, the troops evolved into a cohesive and disciplined force, fueled by patriotism, tenacity and an unwavering individual and collective fortitude determined to defeat the British and win independence for the United States.
One of the defining moments during the war for independence was when the alliance with France was secured and the British evacuated Philadelphia and headed north to New York. The troops in Valley Forge pursued the British Troops to New York City.
The strength and unity the Continental Army cultivated during its encampment in Valley Forge, significantly contributed to the defeat of the British. Their strength brought to fruition the assertion of a nation’s people, to their right to choose their own government, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence approved on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress.
In the short summer shadows that Valley Forge National Historic Park casts on our headquarters, we celebrate Independence Day with gratitude. We are grateful for our Founding Fathers and Mothers and the risk and sacrifices they endured for our independence. We are grateful for our freedom to speak freely, practice the profession of our choice and have resources to learn and acquire skills. We are grateful for the men and women of our military who put their lives on the line in the past and in the present to defend our freedom.
Have a happy and safe Fourth of July.
