When you drive around Princeton, Mercer County or even across the river, do you ever think about what happened back in 1776? Most of us just go about our days and don’t dwell on the importance of the many people that lived here and worked towards a different future, or the many sites that remain as historical treasures of the past.
As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it seemed fitting to ask our Princeton Perspectives community how our local and national history impacts them.
WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU RELATE TO MOST?
There are so many people that helped to create the United States. George Washington led his troops across the Delaware River, into the Battle of Trenton and on to Princeton Battlefield. Several years after American independence was secured, he became the first President of the United States. Due to his strategic leadership, ability to appease the people of a brand-new nation and his humility in doing so, he beat out Hugh Mercer, Alexander Hamilton and John Witherspoon in our poll as the leader that 40% of our questionnaire respondents told us they related to most.
The other men’s great sacrifices and their efforts, guiding principles and work to create a democracy did not go unrecognized. Would you put your life on the line for your country?
SHARING PRIDE AND EXCITEMENT ABOUT LIVING IN THE USA
Hundreds of years after they paved the way, Princeton continues to be a place for people to come and better their lives. Whether you are an American or hope one day to become one, what is a moment you felt American pride?
“I’m proudest when I see the true meritocracy that is the USA. Even in today’s politics, nowhere else is creativity and smarts so valued,” one person recalled.
“The moment when I felt especially proud to be an American was during my campaign for the State Assembly as a minority candidate,” stated another.
“We live in a country where hard work, education, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility can meaningfully change the trajectory of a family,” another also shared.
Whether it is during the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner or simply seeing an American flag, there are moments when connections are felt by many.
After 9/11, readers told us they really believed the people were at their best, coming together and displaying compassion, caring and unity. For some who were not born here, becoming an American from places like the USSR brings constant pride. Walking around Princeton, with its mix of ethnicities, helps add to the joy of living in America.
There is also a rush some have experienced they say is truly American, such as being at the mall in Washington, D.C. for July 4th fireworks or watching the Miracle on Ice, when the USA beat the Russians in the 1980 Winter Olympics.
LOCAL SITES TIED TO THE HISTORY OF AMERICA
The 250th is something to be celebrated across the nation, but the turning point of the Revolution happened right here in our capital county. The places where it happened provide unprecedented opportunities to experience history. So, we asked people to share what local historical site has been most meaningful or eye-opening for them.
While Washington Crossing and Trenton Barracks hold interest, Princeton Battlefield and Nassau Hall top the list.
“Nassau Hall is a true national treasure, as the site of both the Battle of Princeton and the Continental Congress, and the University before and after!” one respondent stated.
Being able to stand where the “field hospital” on the battlefield was, where the wounded from both sides were once treated, and where the Continental Army defeated British soldiers, brings Princeton Battlefield to life for many. For others, walking past Nassau Hall, which once served as the U.S. Capital, is very inspiring.
“Nassau Hall, which briefly served as a center of government during a pivotal time and the Mercer Oak [at Princeton Battlefield], a place where someone actually died for our freedom,” a commenter highlighted.
Another explained, “For me, it’s the Princeton Battlefield. Standing there makes history tangible and reminds me how much was risked to create our nation.”
PASSING ALONG THE HISTORY
Seeing and feeling the history is an important aspect of keeping it alive and passing it along. As we celebrate the 250th year of America, there is hope for many more. So, we asked our readers to share what advice they’d give to today’s youth on what to celebrate, take advantage of, and preserve, as we look to the next 250 years. Some are proud of where we are, while others are struggling with today’s America – yet all hope to spark motivation for everyone to celebrate the Semiquincentennial of America:
- Celebrate the freedom and opportunity you inherited. Take advantage of education, hard work, and entrepreneurship, and preserve them through service, civic engagement, and gratitude.
- Travel the world when you can. Compare the experience to living in America. Cherish what you have here and strive to make it best for generations to come.
- Over the past 250 years, there has been a lot of good in America, and also a lot of not-so-good. Use the good as something to aspire to, and don’t hide the bad, learn from it so we can be even better.
- Don’t concentrate on the negatives. They will always be present in any society. Concentrate on all that’s positive and the results will be less negatives.
- While Washington is great, look around you closely, and you will see a new world that is completely made up of ordinary people. In fact, Washington was an ordinary person before he became Washington.
- We need to celebrate and understand what the Founding Fathers were fighting for, and make sure the principles live on in perpetuity.
- Celebrate curiosity and civic courage. Explore Princeton’s history firsthand. Ask hard questions, protect public spaces, and leave future generations a community worth inheriting.
If you are feeling inspired, there are many ways to take advantage of the 250th. Some in our community will be attending historical talks and museum exhibitions, others will be enjoying the World Cup, backyard barbecues and fireworks displays.
You can read all about the many celebrations and events offered locally in the article Happy Birthday, America! Join in Celebration all Summer Long! in this issue.
Lisa Jacknow spent years working in national and local news in and around New York City before moving to Princeton. Working as both a TV producer and news reporter, Lisa came to this area to focus on the local news of Mercer County at WZBN-TV. In recent years, she got immersed in the Princeton community by serving leadership roles at local schools in addition to volunteering for other local non-profits. In her free time, Lisa loves to spend time with her family, play tennis, sing and play the piano. A graduate of the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, Lisa was raised just north of Boston, Massachusetts but has lived in the tri-state area since college. She is excited to be Editor and head writer for Princeton Perspectives!