Often during times of conflict we are consumed with the pressures of the present: How did we get where we are? How will we survive? What will happen to us? More than 230 years ago, the people of revolutionary America faced decisions that dramatically changed their world. They chose liberty and sacrifice and risked all they had to give us what we have now.

Today, as then, our thoughts are on war. The people of Colonial Williamsburg share their thoughts about yesterday…and a struggle that helped fashion America.

"I can only imagine how Rev. James Waddell must have felt as the war progressed..."
          
        Bryan Simpers interprets the character of Reverend Waddell for Colonial Williamsburg.

"I think back 'twas not so very long ago that I was the wife of the best of men..."
          
        Lucy Smith interprets the character of Betty Randolph for Colonial Williamsburg.

"I do remember the more pleasant times indeed when I first came to this colony, but much has happened over these past years..."
          
        Dennis Watson interprets the character of Alexander Purdie for Colonial Williamsburg.

"In this year of 1781, you wish to hear my opinion of the war against the British..."
          
        Cindy Gunther interprets the character of Peachy Purdie for Colonial Williamsburg.

" 'We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.' So ends the Declaration of Rebels against authority."
          
        Jack Flintom interprets the character of John Randolph for Colonial Williamsburg.

"Lord, it's a long way to Norfolk..."
          
        Richard Josey is managing interpreter of historic events and interprets
              the character of Peter Southall and other characters for Colonial Williamsburg.

"Most people think that the war would cause a lot of extra work for gunsmiths, but as a matter of fact most gunsmiths ended up fighting in the war as soldiers..."
          
        Clay Smith is a journeyman gunsmith for Colonial Williamsburg.

"Good day to you. My name's Robert Evans. I'm a free black....."
          
        Harvey Bakari is manager of program planning and production
              and interprets a number of characters for Colonial Williamsburg.

"As a printer during the revolutionary period, printers had a problem acquiring their materials—the paper, the ink, the type had to be imported."
          
        Willie Parker interprets the printing trade for Colonial Williamsburg.

"The 1770s was a period of great upheaval for artisans like us..."
          
        Ed Wright is a journeyman harpsichord maker for Colonial Williamsburg.

"You wish to know what I think of this war of independence..."
          
        Sharon Forsher is a supervising coach of character interpretation and
               interprets the character of Anne Christian for Colonial Williamsburg.

"I have been desired to express my sentiments regarding the thought of going to war..."
          
        Richard Schumann interprets the character of Patrick Henry for Colonial Williamsburg.

"Mr. Jefferson, what do you say to someone who's going to war?"
          
        Bill Barker as Thomas Jefferson

"…A wheelwright in the colonies in war time, depending on the particular wheelwright, who may have very strong feelings one way or the other about the war, could decide he's going to join up and offer his services."
          
        Wheelwright Christopher Wright

"These are uncertain days. Our nation, our world, is beset with worries of war..."
          
        Colin Campbell is the chairman, president, and CEO,
               Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.