235th Anniversary of the Crossing of the Dan

     Today General Greene's crossing of the Dan River with the Southern Army, just ahead of General Cornwallis, was celebrated.  This historic event ensured the survival of General Greene's army and its resupply and replenishment with fresh troops.  This heroic feat enabled General Greene to inflict a crushing blow on the British at Guilford Court House just a month later and put in action the chain of events that led to General Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown eight months later.
     The Virginia SAR was represented by 1st Vice President Ed Truslow, and the President General was represented by Mid-Atlantic District Vice President General George Jones.  Members of twenty Virginia SAR Chapters also participated.  The Dan River Chapter was the host chapter and past Virginia SAR President Phil Williams was the master of ceremonies.
     The celebration included a Friday night dinner at Ernie's Restaurant, featuring a seafood buffet and brief talks from the principals involved in the celebration.

The gathering at Ernie's Restaurant

     Saturday morning came very cold, but clear.  Unfortunately previous snows and high water had left behind mud in the area of the outdoor ceremony, so the festivities were confined to the auditorium at the Prizery in South Boston.

Master of Ceremonies Phil Williams addresses the audience.

Mid-Atlantic District VPG George Jones address the audience.

Virginia SAR 1st Vice President Ed Truslow addresses the audience.

     After remarks by local government officials, greetings were presented in behalf o the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution by Mid-Atlantic District VPG George Jones, and on behalf of the Virginia Society by 1st Vice-President Ed Truslow.  Then Dan RIver Chapter past President Douglas  Powell introduced the keynote speaker, Mrs. Janet Uhlar, author of Freedom's Cost: the story of General Nathanael Greene.

Dan River past President Douglas Powell introduces Mrs. Uhlar.

Mrs. Uhlar enlightens us on the accomplishments and trials of General Greene.

Phil Williams leads the gathering in a salute to Mrs.Uhlar.

     JROTC and Civil Air Patrol Cadets and Leaders then conducted a parade of colors with 17 patriotic flags, and performed a salute to all active and previous military members.

     Twenty SAR chapters presented wreaths, then the colors were retired to close the ceremony.

Some of the twenty wreaths presented by SAR chapters.

The Virginia SAR Color Guard prepares to retire the colors.

The Parade of Flags continued with a brief parade outside.

Dwight Whitney's wife Ann and daughter Penny at the ceremony.