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One problem, though is that people then sort of believe we won the war with a lot of militia hiding behind rocks and plinking at dumb British in Red Coast marching in lines in the open...which is 100% wrong.

Neither myself nor the author makes that claim. The militia did have a big impact on the war, however. Just look at Lexington or Bunker Hill (I know, Bunker Hill led the Congress to become overconfident in the militia, which made putting together an army more difficult). Anyway, where do think the volunteers for the regular army came from? Many were militia.

We have sort of an overly-romantic attachment to Militia in this country. In both the Revolution and the War of 1812, they routinely ran away instantly under fire in a manner that would outdo a WWII Frenchman.

You obviously have such a grudge against the Milita, that you are unable or unwilling to recognize their contribution. Taking a stand against the most powerful army on earth, while being outnumbered 10:1 is not something associated with a "WWII Frenchman".

I'm struck by how much we owe these men. There were many Patriots who tired of the yoke of British oppression. There were many who secreted their powder and arms either in their homes or collectively. But these few drew the line in the sand against tyrany with no assurance except the opportunity for a quick death and in so doing were the spark that set the fire that burnt down the old order and brought a free country to the earth for the first time in centuries. We are the direct beneficiaries of their bravery and moral clarity and willingness to act.

I pray we have men of such stature ready to stand against long odds for what is right and just today, should we need them. Perhaps Free Republic is the new "Lexington Green" where such men and women will assemble when needed.

Thanks for posting this.