Fife, drum and flag... who are they?

[Kolander]

Can anybody explain me who were those figures from the American Independence War? I've seen them in movies and in anniversary events, usually a small parade with just three people, the fife pretending to be lame. Thank you!

 

[480sparky]

The middle figure is the artists' father. The original image is The Spirit of '76 by Archibald Willard.

 

[Kolander]

Thank you! But I meant if they were historical figures, like Paul Revere and John Larkin.