And it is the concept of freedom and self-reliance that form the
cornerstone of what has come to be known as the American Spirit. The Story of Independence is the story of America. While many individuals have, through personal
exploration and professional pursuits, helped to formulate an American philosophy of Independence,
it is the many communities of hard working men and women, from colonial vi
llages and pioneer towns
to modern cities and suburbs, that embody the Spirit of Independence. From their story comes the
thread that ties together the neighborhoods of Independence, and the whole Village of Bridgewater,
taking resident and visitor alike on a historical trek from wilderness continent to the world's greatest
democracy. The story of Independence is the story of discovery, from the entrance allee on the Mall to the
neighborhood center at the Commons. It is a story that unfolds with colonial revolution in Signature
and the exploration of the continent in Meriwether. It is a story that celebrates the birth of American
arts in the Glade, the pursuits of the intellect in the Arbors and the envisioning of the great society in
Writerswood. And, it is a story that in old Grove and the Meadows recounts a wilderness tamed to
become the breadbasket of the world. This is the story of Independence, where the Spirit of America Lives. It is the story of statesmen and
philosophers, of artists and explorers, and of scientists and inventors. It is the story of those who in
uncommon circumstances achieved remarkable deeds both in the name of and as a result of
Independence. And it is the story of the common man and woman who embody that unique
characteristic which has come to be called the American Spirit. But, most importantly, the story of
Independence is the story of America, it is Our Story. in·de·pen·dence : noun
1 : the quality or state of being independent: not dependent: as a (1) : not subject to control by others : SELFGOVERNING
(2) : not affiliated with a larger controlling unit b (3) : not requiring or relying on something else :
(4) : not looking to others for one's opinions or for guidance in conduct (5): not requiring or relying on others (as
for care or livelihood) (6) : being enough to free one from the necessity of working for a living ( of independent
means) (7): showing a desire for freedom (an independent manner)
