This July 4th represents the 250th anniversary of the creation of the United States of America. Throughout the country, Americans will celebrate, parade, Bar-B-Q, and, hopefully, reflect on the history of our shared experience of 'The Great Experiment'.
Residents of Pembroke share a significant piece of this historical experiment, embodied in the Pembroke Resolves, a document signed December 28, 1774, nearly two years before our 1776 celebration of independence. It was written by Pembroke Town clerk John Turner, and signed by Abel Stetson, Samuel Gould, Jeremiah Hall and Seth Hatch, making Pembroke the first town in the 13 colonies to renounce British rule.
The document opens with the following passages:
Resolved, That this Province and this town as part of it hath a right whenever they think it necessary to give their sense of public measures, and if judged to be unconstitutional and oppressive to declare it freely, and remonstrate or petition as they may deem best. Resolved, That it is peculiarly necessary in the present alarming crisis of our affairs to give our opinion, and cause it to be known that not a few men only of factious spirit, as has been falsely represented, but the whole body of the people complain and are uneasy.
These words still ring true today, and as citizens of Pembroke, we should be proud of this piece of our heritage. Take a moment and learn about the Resolves; it is a testament to what citizens can do when they embrace a common goal and work together. We hope you have a happy and safe July 4th.
Below is a video recording of a reenactment of the Pembroke Resolves, courtesy of The Local Seen.
