Menchville High School - Crown Yearbook (Newport News, VA)

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In 1776 the American Colonies in an unpre- cedented more declared their independence from Great Britain. Many years would pass before the dream of the patriots would become a reality and the former colonies would become the United States of America. During the long years of the Revolu- tion, Patriots, such as Patrick Henry, George Washington, Ben Franklin, Sam Adams and Tho- mas Jefferson, provided the inspiration and leader- ship in the military, economic, diplomatic and political arenas; yet leaders without followers are of no use in a revolution. Much is known of the lives and careers of the famous men of our early history. So much, in fact, that mention of them here is unnecessary. But what of the little man, the com- mon man of the Revolution, the man who made it work? He fired the cannon and shoed the horses; he ambushed Redcoats and provided medical care; she fought in men’s clothes in the heat of battle and wove the material for the uniforms; he rode all night delivering dispatches for General Washington and during the day was a bootmaker or printer or cabinet maker or farmer or blacksmith. The 1976 CROWN is dedicated to the common man of 1776 and of 1976. Aaron Copland, Amer- ica’s greatest living composer of serious music, wrote in 1942 his Fanfare for the Common Man. This music, seen on the cover and again on our di- vider pages, we feel captures the spirit of the revolu- tionary fires kindled in 1776 and still alive in 1976. Dr. Copland, who is celebrating his 75th birthday this year, has kindly given permission to the 1976 CROWN to use his score, and copies of the original manuscript were secured from the Library of Con- gress for use in the book. To Aaron Copland, our sincerest thanks. At a time when real leadership seems to have gone from the American scene, the average citizen, the common man if you will; must bear the respon- sibility for the continuation of the American Revo- lutionary spirit.