A group of fourth and fifth graders at Walker Elementary School in Concord will kick off the 4th of July in grand public radio style. With a little help from their teacher, Paul Bourassa -- and NHPR -- they produced a news report as if they were on the scene after the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.
Here’s their story.
Producers:
Eric Blackmun, Jasmine Club, Holly D’anancourt,Sebastian Rosemont, Megan Seufert, Jessica Skidmore, Jessica Stever Amelia Theiberge, and John Walsh
Colonial forces are celebrating. They have won their war against
the British. Their final victory was the battle of Yorktown. After two
weeks of fighting, the British forces surrendered. The 6-year war between the
Colonies and Great Britain is all but over. Megan Suefert has
our report.
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REPORTER:
In Yorktown, there is so much celebrating. Fireworks are shooting up into the sky. There is a big feast in the village. There is so much shouting going on, nobody can hear each other.
Although, not everything is grand. There is crying going on in the battlefield. Dead bodies are being picked up and carried away. Wounded soldiers and
generals are cared for at this very minute.
American General George Washington was a great part of this victory and is very
happy for his men.
WASHINGTON:
“I am so relieved that this war has ended. Now we are
free from Britain. Britain cannot interfere with us, but many of
my men have died to help America. This war was so long and hard.
Britain had thousands of men while we didn’t. There is happiness but there is also sorrow.”
REPORTER:
In England, King George the 3rd is shocked that America has defeated his troops. He can hardly believe the news.
KING:
“My people and I feel horrible about losing to the Colonists. They are
so small, and we had so many generals and such. We would still be taxing them and be getting richer than we already are. We made America too happy, and now they might win another war against us because of the confidence we gave them! We are not happy, but they sure are.”
REPORTER:
American colonist, Mary Faulstitch is completely happy that her husband is back with an amazing story of America against Britain.
FAULSTITCH:
“I have my husband back, and we are done with Great Britain. Britain cannot boss us around like we are Draft horses. Thanks to France, we will not be a part of Britain anymore!”
REPORTER:
After the battle of Saratoga 1777, France decided to join America in the war. French soldiers under General Comte de Rochambeau (COMT- DUH-RO-SHAM-BO) were part of the pincer strategy that defeated the British forces at Yorktown. Rochambeau says France shares the American feeling of victory.
ROCHAMBEAU:
“I am so glad that we decided to join the Americans. Now we have gotten back at Britain for all the trouble the have caused us over the years.”
REPORTER:
Colonial forces, now known as “Americans”, will remember this victory from
this day forth and celebrate as long as their hearts desire. For Walker
School Radio, I’m Megan Seufert.
