The Fourth of July is traditionally more about celebrating what we’ve gained, not lost, but on this fifth of July it’s worth remembering not only that freedom isn’t free, but independence wasn’t free right here in Darien.
When Darien’s Push-n-Pull Parade on Saturday pulled out of Goodwives Shopping Center at 10:37 a.m. onto Old Kings Highway North, it crossed the path the Continental Army would have taken through town as it moved between the successful siege of Boston and its upcoming disaster at the Battle of Long Island.
Wikimedia Commons
Darien historical plaque
The red Radio Flyer wagons rolled past the United Congregational Church — the site of sermons by patriotic clergyman Moses Mather. The minister, one of the most vocal patriots in Connecticut, was taken prisoner at the church in a raid by Tories on July 22, 1781, along with 47 other parishioners. Many of them suffered five months in prison before prisoner exchanges set them free.
The bikes and the bunting then turned onto the Post Road, where, miles further west (right by Hindley School), a Tory raid resulted in the deaths of several men on both sides of the conflict on Aug. 2, 1781.
That was the last time Darienites, while they were in town, had to pay the ultimate price for staying free. Sacrifices for their country were made by Darienites in wars on this continent and on others, but never again in this town — thanks to the sacrifices made here to win independence.
Editor’s note: This article, in slightly different form, was originally part of the Darienite’s article on the Push-n-Pull parade. It’s more appropriate, however, as it’s own article.
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