A Great Jubilee Day facts for kids

A Great Jubilee Day was a special celebration held on Monday, May 26, 1783. It took place in North Stratford, which is now known as Trumbull, Connecticut. This day marked the official end of the fighting in the American Revolutionary War.

People gathered to celebrate with big feasts, prayers, speeches, and toasts. Two groups of the North Stratford militia even performed cool military moves. They fired cannons to add to the excitement! This was one of the very first celebrations after America won its independence. Today, this tradition continues as Memorial Day, with parades and special services.

Celebrating Freedom: The Great Jubilee Day

Imagine a huge party to celebrate winning a war! That's what happened on May 26, 1783. The people of North Stratford came together for a "day of public rejoicing."

A Day of Joy and Thanks

The celebration started at 1 PM at the meeting house. Everyone sang songs and Reverend James Beebe led a prayer. A young student from Yale College, David Lewis Beebe, gave a great speech. More singing followed!

Then, something special happened for the ladies. They were invited to sit on a raised area. More than 300 women were there! A committee made sure they had plenty of food and drinks.

Meanwhile, the two local militia groups put on a show. They marched and fired their guns in different patterns. Cannons boomed between each volley of gunfire. It was all done very neatly and precisely.

Toasts to a New Nation

After the military display, a stage was set up. People gathered to make special toasts, like raising a glass to honor someone or something important. Each toast was followed by a cannon blast!

Here are some of the things they toasted:

• The United States and its government.
• General Washington and his brave soldiers.
• America's helpful friends in other countries.
• The Governor and leaders of Connecticut.
• A wish for lasting peace and an end to unfair rule.
• Hopes for America's trade and ships to travel far.
• May the American flag always stand for freedom.
• A wish for Vermont to join the United States.

Everyone seemed very happy and behaved well. It was a truly memorable day!

Local Heroes: The North Stratford Militia

The local militia played a big part in the community. They were like a local defense force. In 1765, Robert Hawley became an officer in the North Stratford militia. He kept getting promoted, becoming a Captain by 1773.

Supporting the Soldiers

During the war, Captain Hawley helped gather supplies for the Continental Army. This was America's main army. In 1778, the people of North Stratford donated food and supplies. These were sent to soldiers at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. This is where General George Washington's army spent a very tough winter.

Connecticut was known as the "Provision State." This was because its governor, Jonathan Trumbull, sent so many supplies to Washington's army. Governor Trumbull was the only colonial governor who fully supported America's fight for independence from Great Britain.