Valley Forge (Part 2) – Washington, Paine, Putin, and Ukraine

On this Memorial Day, these words of American founding father Thomas Paine seem written for Ukrainians today:

“THESE are the times that try men's souls… Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.” The American Crisis, No. 1, December 23, 1776

​A year or so later, Paine would write another poignant piece seemingly directed at Putin:

"TO argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture. Enjoy, sir, your insensibility of feeling and reflecting. It is the prerogative of animals. And no man will envy you these honors, in which a savage only can be your rival and a bear your master." The American Crisis, No. 5, March 21, 1778

It was actually written to General William Howe, Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, while Washington and his troops were enduring the winter at Valley Forge.

Thomas Paine

On this Memorial Day, we can look back to May 1778, when Washington was preparing his army to march out of Valley Forge a better trained, better supplied, and more confident force. Washington had managed to get what he needed out of America’s Congress, and France had become an official ally. As in Ukraine today, much help was coming—soon.

That winter was the toughest time for Washington, his army, and America’s future. But the army emerged stronger for it, having used the winter to resupply and train. Similarly, the Ukrainian armed forces will use the coming months to resupply and train.

Like France in the spring of 1778, America is no longer on the fence, which should give great hope to Ukrainian soldiers as they begin to be resupplied by steadfast allies.

However, if America’s war teaches us anything, the war in Ukraine is far from over. After Valley Forge, the war with Britain continued for another three years until the Battle of Yorktown—and another three decades before the British were defeated in the War of 1812.

It would be great if victory in Ukraine came sooner, but there are few signs this will happen, especially with the West trying to avoid even a small nuclear exchange, effectively forcing Ukraine to fight with one hand tied behind its back.

Hopefully, Ukrainians can find hope and renewed determination at this moment, as their liberties hang in the balance just as ours did 246 years ago. I’m confident they will.

It’s in the Spirit of Ukraine.