The Common Defense: The Birth of America’s Defense Forces

Presented by Jeff Joyce, Culpeper National Cemetery. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, discover how the Continental Army, Navy, and Marines were established in 1775 as war erupted between the American Colonies and Great Britain.

Jeff Joyce is a retired defense contractor and Air Force veteran. He is a member of the Manassas National Battlefield living history team, and a battlefield guide at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. He is a volunteer at the Culpeper National Cemetery where he helps support the Wreaths Across America program, a volunteer with the Honor Flight program, and a Docent at the National Air and Space Museum.