236th Anniversary Ceremony for the Battle of Guilford Courthouse

    At lest 14 members of the Virginia SAR, from at least 8 chapters,and led by 1st Vice President Pat Kelly, attended the 236th Anniversary Ceremony of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in Greensboro, NC on Saturday, March 18th.  The SAR activities began Friday evening with a reception in the Wyndam Garden Hotel in Greensboro, which was highlighted by a presentation by Larry Brown on the maneuvers that led up to the battle, including a great deal of activity in the area of the hotel.

North Carolina Compatriot Larry Brown, on the far right, recounts the maneuvers of both armies that led to the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.

     The ceremony was held in the Visitor's Center Auditorium due to the muddy grounds and threat of more rain.  The auditorium was filled to overflowing, standing room only.  SAR President General Mike Tomme was the keynote speaker.  After PG Tomme's remarks, 58 wreaths were presented by various organizations, including the Virginia SAR and 10 Virginia SAR chapters.

President General Mike Tomme

North Carolina SAR 1st VP George Strunk, on left, and President Gary Green, on right.

Fife & Drum Corps from local reenactors.

Virginia Compatriots at Guilford Courthouse, front row, left to right: Jeff Thomas, Ken Morris, Rayburn Mitchell, Ken Wallenborn, Makey Tilman, unknown, Charlie Coale, Virginia SAR Chancellor Erick Monday. Back row, left to right: Virginia 3rd VP Bill Schwetke, Darrin Schmidt, Past Virginia SAR President Larry McKinley, Bob Volger, Virgina SAR 1st VP Pat Kelly, Dennis Fritts.

The NSSAR Color Guard at Guilford Courthouse.