OPINION: HAYES: Patriotism produces more patriots
Nov. 17—It was a privilege to serve my country in a military uniform. It was a privilege because I love my country and my country's history. There were times when conditions were rough, days I went without sleep while on duty for 16-20 hours, and too many times I was not with my family.
I had a way to deal with those and other problems. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I remembered what the soldiers who fought the British during the American Revolution had to endure. Blizzards, monsoons and missed meals didn't compare to the privations suffered by General George Washington's army. This was my philosophy from my first day at boot camp until I retired 24 years later. Neither I, nor any I served with, left bloody footprints in snow like some of Washington's army at Valley Forge did. We did not lack uniforms and blankets like Washington's soldiers did. We received regular paychecks, but Washington's soldiers didn't.
Briefly, when things seemed rough, I remember how rough Washington's soldiers had it. One of those soldiers was Private William Kindred.
On Sunday afternoon, October 15, 2023, the Captain Charles Gatliff chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution hosted a Patriot Grave Marking Ceremony at the Red Lick Cemetery near Berea, Kentucky. They were aided by members of other SAR chapters and Daughters or the American Revolution (DAR) chapters. The patriot honored was Private William Kindred. Private Kindred was a militiaman from Goochland County, Virginia. He served under General Peter Muhlenberg and served at Valley Forge. He was discharged after his 12 months of service but was called for on at least two other occasions. During one of his periods of militia service, he was captured by the British commanded by General Banastre Tarleton. After he was exchanged, he was again called out and stayed on active duty until after Washington forced Cornwallis to surrender.
He was present at both Valley Forge and the Battle of Yorktown.
After the war was over, William Kindred moved to what is now Madison County, Kentucky. According to some sources, he became a minister. Some of his descendants still live in this area. Others live productive lives in other states.
As a veteran, I feel that other veterans of service in the United States military. I regard them as brothers and sisters. That feeling of kinship is extended to veterans of wars fought before I was even born.
I feel very strongly about what Private William Kindred and his peers accomplished, but I cannot state this any stronger than the words of Thomas Paine. These words were read to Washington's army on Christmas day, 1776. The army heard the words read before they crossed the ice-clogged Delaware River to win a victory at Trenton, New Jersey.
"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 by 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 every goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated."
At the Battle of Trenton, some of Washington's soldiers shouted, "These are times that try men's souls," during the fighting.
If you value your freedom — — — and you should, remember those who bought the freedom with their sweat and blood. Appreciate the gift they left us.
