Independence Day Memories

My first real memory of the birth of America started at about 6 years old while growing up in South Jersey as the sixth of eight siblings. I came to realize many years later that hailing from this part of the country, where you were literally immersed in history, it's impossible to be anything but inspired by those who came before us.

It all started when my father lost his job at Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in Camden. My dad got a job with Jerrold Electronics Cable TV and we moved to a place called the Burrough of Haddonfield. For those unfamiliar, "Burrough" is synonymous with "town". And this Burrough was special. More special than I knew when I lived there, but, among many things, it’s where I developed my passion for baseball.

Haddonfield was particularly special around the 4th of July! On Independence Day the local Haddonfield Memorial High School Football Field was converted into a fireworks extravaganza.?I loved it! The town and others from all around turned out in droves.

What’s more, every house was decorated patriotically, especially along the King's Highway through downtown and the homes that led up to the school. Most of these homes were built in the early to late 18th century and had incredible history both during the American Revolution and Civil War.??

The Indian King, a downtown Haddonfield tavern, was the site where much of New Jersey’s government business was conducted. When the British retreated from George Washington's surprise attack crossing the Delaware the "regulars" in the Burrough "showed them musket balls" all the way down the Ole Kings Road in what’s become known as the “The Skirmish of 1778.”

At the age of 12, we moved to Texas, but in 1976 we drove back to Philadelphia. Along the way, we visited Civil War battlefields near Shiloh, New Market, Harpers Ferry, and Gettysburg. Once near Philly, we visited Valley Forge, Washington's Crossing and went downtown to Independence Square for the Bi-centennial Celebration. It was amazing!!! I will never forget it!

Haddonfield was also a hub along the Underground Railroad supported by The Haddonfield Friends (Quakers) who had reformed as former slave owners and helped escaped slaves to a safe haven in the North.

Haddonfield also had a prehistoric history which gave it even more depth.?A major dinosaur find happened there on a farm in 1838. “Haddy” the Hadrosaurus, named proudly after Haddonfield, has made the Burrough world-renowned. Of course, dinosaurs became another interest I developed and have passed on to my daughter (actually she is far more interested than I was) capping off a magical time for me as a child.

Each year a flood of memories comes back to me as we approach the 4th of July. Living in Haddonfield greatly impacted my curiosity for history and learning appetite in general. I remain a history buff and cry when I sing the National Anthem.

I love this country and remember all of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to make us free, including my great uncles George McClearnan (1862 Battle of Fredericksburg) and James McClearnan (1863 Battle of Chancellorsville) and countless of my German ancestors who found themselves on both sides during the American Revolution.

Today I hung my flag on my home in Texas, once a great country and then our 28th state. The only state that fought for its freedom and, as such, will never give way to any condition that impinges on our rights as free Americans.

Happy Independence Day!?God Bless America!