237th Anniversary of the Crossing of the Dan

17 Feb 2017                                           South Boston, VA

In the front row, left to right: Past Virginia SAR President and Master of Ceremonies Phil Williams, Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly, North Carolina SAR President George Strunk, and Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Bill Schwetke. photo by: JOE CHANDLER/GAZETTE-VIRGINIAN

     On February 14, 1781, General Greene narrowly beat his pursuer, Cornwallis, across the Dan River.  Reaching safety on the north bank of the river, after also destroying the boats Cornwallis would have needed to cross the river, Greene was able to rest, replenish, and reinforce his army.  His renewed force would later cross the Dan again to meet Cornwallis at Guilford Courthouse and inflict crippling casualties on Cornwallis' force.  Today the NSSAR celebrated this feat of arms.
     The Virginia Society, and the Dan River Chapter hosted this national event.  President Pat Kelly led a strong delegation from the Virginia SAR and presented the Virginia Society Wreath.  President Kelly was also joined by the 1st VP, 2nd VP, 3rd VP, and Surgeon of the Virginia SAR in marching, in uniform, in the Color Guard.  The 11 Virginia Chapters presenting wreaths were the Colonel George Waller, Colonel William Grayson, Culpeper Minutemen, Dan River, Fairfax Resolves, Fort Harrison, George Mason, George Washington, Norfolk, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapters.
     The SAR celebration began with a welcoming dinner at Ernie's Restaurant.  During this festive event President Kelly installed the 2018 Officers for the Dan River Chapter.

The scene at Ernie's Restaurant Friday evening.

President Kelly congratulates the new officers of the Dan River Chapter as he shakes the hand of new President Mike Geisinger.

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Photo by: JOE CHANDLER/GAZETTE-VIRGINIAN

     On Saturday morning a crowd of about 100 gathered in the Prizery in South Boston for the Celebration Ceremony.  Virginia SAR past President Phil Williams was the master of ceremonies.  The keynote speaker, Michael Cecere, talked on "The War Comes to Virginia", the topic of his latest book.

Keynote speaker Michael Cecere

Two presidents, left to right: George Strunk of North Carolina and Pat Kelly of Virginia.

     After the indoor ceremony the entire group marched in parade to Constitution Square, where wreaths were presented.

The SAR Color Guard leads the Parade to Constitution Square.

photo by: JOE CHANDLER/GAZETTE-VIRGINIAN