236th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens

pictures by Tom Hanson, Jennifer Kelly and Cat Schwetke,.

General Daniel Morgan Statue in Spartanburg, SC

    This weekend the Sons of the American Revolution and the National Parks Service celebrated the 236th anniversary of the patriot victory at the Battle of Cowpens, near present day Gaffney, SC. Virginia Society was represented by 2nd Vice President Pat Kelly, and five Virginia chapters were represented: Colonel William Grayson, Culpeper Minutemen, Fairfax Resolves, George Washington,Thomas Jefferson and Williamsburg.

     The ceremonies commenced Friday afternoon with the presentation of a wreath and carnations at the General Daniel Morgan statue in downtown Spartanburg, SC.

The SAR Color Guard advances the colors at the Daniel Morgan Statue.

SAR President General Mike Tomme and Park Superintendent John Slaughter (SAR compatriot) advance the wreath.

Paul Chase of the Col William Grayson Chapter renders honors.

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Monument at the Cowpens National Military Park Visitors' Center.

SAR Color Guard at the Washington Light Infantry Monument.

     Saturday morning featured the wreath laying at the Cowpens National Military Park memorial.  Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks Group Superintendent John Slaughter was the master of ceremonies.  The SAR Color Guard, about forty strong, posted the colors.  The featured speaker was SAR President General Mike Tomme, who gave a concise overview of the battle and its significance.  Then approximately 90 wreaths were presented by the SAR, DAR, C.A.R., and other patriotic organizations.

SAR Color Guard advances the colors. Front row, left to right: SAR Color Guard Commander Dave Hoover, President General Mike Tomme, past President General Lindsay Brock, SAR Color Guard Vice Commander Mark Anthony.

"Present Arms"

Master of Ceremonies, Park Superintendent John Slaughter.

Keynote speaker, SAR President General Mike Tomme.

     After the ceremony at the monument, the color guard marched about a quarter mile to the Washington Light Infantry monument, where a second wreath presentation was made.

Jeff Thomas, president of the Fairfax Resolves Chapter, renders honors.

Virginia SAR Vice President Pat Kelly, representing the Virginia Society, renders honors.

Carlisle Bean, representing the George Washington Chapter, renders honors

Wreath presentation at the Washington Light Infantry Monument. Left to right, Park Superintendent John Slaughter, a junior ranger, SAR President General Mike Tomme.

Virginia SAR participants and spouses, left to right: Justin Thomas, Jeff Thomas, Cat Schwetke, Bill Schwetke, Jenifer Kelly, and Virginia SAR 2nd Vice President Pat Kelly. Also participating, but not pictured were Carlisle Bean and his wife Denise, John Holt, Paul and Elsa Chase, Mike and Cilla Tomme, and Lindsay and Billie Brock.