<h2><!--block-->A Secret Mission Begins</h2><div><!--block-->You are a member of General George Washington's Culper Spy Ring engaged in secret correspondence with Wyckoff resident Robert Skead. To decipher the message, you will need to reference your Code Journal (found on page x). To be caught as Washington's spy means certain death. Be careful who you trust. Stay brave and strong.</div><h2><!--block-->The Spark of Patriotism</h2><div><!--block-->My love for history and the American Revolution began in 1976 during our nation's Bicentennial. I was in the sixth grade then at Coolidge School, and the spirit of '76 completely captured my imagination.<br><br></div><div><!--block-->Years later, my father and sister dove into our family genealogy and discovered an ancestor who served with the 94 and Connecticut Militia. Because this patriot was in the lineage of my dad's favorite grandfather, he was absolutely thrilled and promptly joined the Sons of the American Revolution. That discovery sparked a conversation between the two of us about a story idea I had when visiting the 720 home in Oakland, where 711 made his headquarters for two days in July 1777. That single discussion led to my dad and me co-authoring the <em>American Revolutionary War Adventure</em> series.</div><h2><!--block-->A Father-Son Creative Journey</h2><div><!--block-->If you think a father-son fishing trip is a great bonding experience, writing three books with your dad is that on steroids. Our goal was to take little-known elements of the Revolution and weave an adventure around them to nurture patriotism and inspire readers to be 93. We focused on historical hooks that I never learned in 600—the kinds of fascinating secrets that, had I known them as a sixth-grader, would have made me even more captivated by our history.<br><br></div><div><!--block-->We crafted our first story, <em>Patriots, 455 and Spies</em>, rewrote it many times making it the best it could be, and started submitting the story to publishers. After tons of rejections, 444 provided a publisher (Zonderkidz) and at the age of 89 my dad became a published author with me. Proof that wonderful things can happen if you stay active and creative in your Golden Years. My son 712 said it best, when he told me, "Dad, all your books are great, but <em>Patriots, 455 and Spies</em> is the best because Grandpa helped you."</div><h2><!--block-->Living the Revolution Through Imagination</h2><div><!--block-->Through the process of researching and writing, I effectively transported myself to the years 1777–1780. Ah, the power of our imagination! Stepping into the shoes of our main characters—twin teenage boys—I have figuratively seen my father shot by 455, survived knife fights and gun battles, met 711, and delivered precious 96. I've faced Loyalist bandits, operated the 90, participated in a daring rescue at the battle of Fort St. George, discovered secret code books, defended the 95 at West Point, captured an enemy spy, and played a role in the Benedict Arnold traitor saga.<br><br></div><div><!--block-->To bring the storytelling even closer to home, as a lifelong Wyckoff resident, I incorporated the local Zabriskie home into <em>Links to 368</em> (Book 3 in the series). The final two scenes of the book take place there, and were an absolute joy to write.</div><h2><!--block-->A Deeper Appreciation for Freedom</h2><div><!--block-->You cannot spend that much time, even in your imagination, fighting for American independence and not walk away with a deeper sense of patriotism. I love our 422 and its founding principles even more now. These imaginary experiences are more than words on a page to me—they feel real. I am haunted by 368, and more importantly, what it cost.<br><br></div><div><!--block-->The opportunity to live a virtuous life, pursue one's dreams, and raise families in a free 422 is a profound privilege. The freedoms we enjoy today are the direct result of the brave men and women who gave sacrificially—many paying the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.<br><br></div><div><!--block-->As we celebrate America 250, let us pursue our happiness with an attitude of gratitude, and let's all commit to living lives worthy of their sacrifice.<br><br></div><div><!--block-->Your most obedient and humble servant,</div><div><!--block-->723<br><br></div><div><!--block--><strong>Your Secret Code</strong></div><div><!--block-->90 <em>American Turtle</em> submarine</div><div><!--block-->93 Courageous</div><div><!--block-->94 Continental Army</div><div><!--block-->95 Great Chain</div><div><!--block-->96 Gunpowder</div><div><!--block-->368 Liberty</div><div><!--block-->422 Nation</div><div><!--block-->444 Providence</div><div><!--block-->455 Redcoats</div><div><!--block-->600 School</div><div><!--block-->711 General George Washington</div><div><!--block-->712 John</div><div><!--block-->720 Van Allen</div><div><!--block-->723 Robert Skead<br><br></div>
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