'Continental Army soldiers' visit Grossmont College

Sons of the American Revolution members include, from left, Ernie McCullough, Philip Hinshaw, Stan De Long and Will Tisch.  They distributed copies of the U.S. Constitution on the Grossmont College campus Sept. 18.

EL CAJON – Even on a campus with a high percentage of students who are military veterans, four men in their vintage U.S. Army uniforms drew more than their share of wondering stares at Grossmont College on Wednesday, Sept. 18, a day set aside to celebrate the U.S. Constitution.

The uniforms were historical ones worn by units of the Continental Army during the American War of Independence, fought in the late 18th Century.   Proudly wearing them were members of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), all of whom can trace their lineage to Revolutionary War days.

For example, Ernie McCullough can boast of three direct ancestors who lived in America at the time – one a soldier, another a merchant and the third a preacher.  Philip Hinshaw said two of his forebearers served in the Pennsylvania militia.  And Will Tisch said he is descended from a man who served in the New Jersey militia.

But if anyone had the right to brag about lineage– although he was quite modest about it – it was Stan De Long, who said he has common ancestors with George Washington through his direct ancestor, Samuel Ball.  Washington’s mother was Mary Ball Washington.

Two members of the SAR unit could also boast of close relations to Grossmont College.  Hinshaw said he taught geography as an adjunct instructor in the late 1970s on the campus.   And Tisch said at age 56, graduating in general studies from Grossmont College last year was “a matter of hope for me” and a way to “keep my mind sharp.”   A machinist’s technician, Tisch said he would like to become an engineer.

The uniformed Sons of the American Revolution passed out copies of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution and happily chatted with students who stopped by their station in front of Griffin Center.

One of Philip Hinshaw’s main interests is the San Diego connection to the American Revolutionary War.  Although San Diego was founded only in 1769—just seven years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia—the soldiers garrisoned at the Presidio above modern-day Old Town San Diego were encouraged in 1780 to make a monetary contribution to the U.S. Revolutionary cause, which some did.

Hinshaw said the King of Spain and the King of France were cousins, and while Spain was more circumspect than France in supporting the 13 Colonies, it did so.  The French naval fleet that helped Washington defeat the British General Lord Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia, had been stationed in the Caribbean Sea, he said.  Only after Spain agreed to patrol that area of the world in France’s behalf were the French able to sail north to Virginia for the decisive battle.

Free speech walls were set up elsewhere on the Grossmont College campus for students, faculty and staff to write their thoughts on large sheets of paper.   The thoughts so inscribed reflected a variety of viewpoints.

“Our freedoms are meant to protect that which is unusual, unpopular or against those in power.  To live in fear is to sacrifice the one thing that cannot be stolen from us… our opinion,” was one comment.

“If it’s free, why do I pay taxes for it?”  asked another anonymous writer.

Another advised: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

One of America’s first diplomats and sages, Ben Franklin, was quoted as saying “Those who give up freedom for security deserve neither and lose both.”

There was also this slogan: “Stand for something or fall for anything.”

And near a written message that included a common cuss word was another message:  “You can do this because of the U.S. Constitution.  Defend it!  Don’t change it!”

-DHH-