Horses have been used in wars for hundred of years. Todays stamp from Republique Rwandaise (1976) celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Fighting in the American Revolutionary War began between colonial militias and the British Army in 1775. The Second Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Under the leadership of General George Washington, the Continental Army and Navy defeated the British military and secured the independence of the Thirteen Colonies.