242nd Anniversary of the Battle of Great Bridge

     The 242nd Anniversary of the Battle of Great Bridge was celebrated this Saturday in Chesapeake, VA.  The ceremony was moved to an alternate location, Great Bridge Presbyterian Church because of ongoing construction of the new Visitors' Center which impinged on the site of the monument.  President General Larry Guzy and First Lady Karin Guzy represented the NSSAR, President Mike Elston represented the Virginia SAR, 1st Vice Regent Becky Rodgers represented the Virginia DAR, and President Emily Elston represented the Virginia C.A.R.  The City of Chesapeake was represented by Mayor Rick West.  Over one hundred people joined in the celebration that marked the victory that preserved Virginia and its resources to the cause of liberty.
     This national event was organized and executed jointly by the Norfolk Chapter of the SAR and the Great Bridge Chapter of the DAR.  Norfolk Chapter President Ken Hawkins and Great Bridge Chapter Regent Donna Crisp shared Master of Ceremonies responsibilities.
     The keynote speaker was Phillip Hamilton, PhD., an author and professor of history at Christopher Newport University, who spoke on "From Rebellion to Revolution: Great Bridge and Its Momentous Consequences".
     Dr. Hamilton was presented the SAR Silver Good Citizenship Medal by the Norfolk Chapter.  Also receiving recognition was Caroline Phillips, past regent of the Great Bridge Chapter, DAR, who received one of the first Battle of Great Bridge Medals for her sustained outstanding service over decades in supporting this event.
     Approximately thirty wreaths were then presented.and the bagpiper, Chris Pearcy, played the centuries old lament, "Flowers of the Forest".  This was to specifically to honor our heroic adversaries who fell in this battle.

Virginia SAR President Mike Elston with the Virginia SAR wreath.

Masters of Ceremonies Donna Crisp and Ken Hawkins

Virginia DAR Vice Regent Becky Rogers

Virginia SAR President Mike Elston

Virginia C.A.R. Emily Elston

New Battle of Great Bridge Medal

SAR President General Larry Guzzy

Dr. Hamilton speaks on "From Rebellion to Revolution: Great Bridge and Its Momentous Consequences"

Ken Hawkins presents Dr. Hamilton the Silver Good Citizenship Medal.

Ken Hawkins presents Caroline Phillips with one of the first Battle of Great Bridge Medals

Chris Pearcy plays "Flowers of the Forest" on the bagpipes

SAR President Mike Elston,on left, and SAR President General Larry Guzzy, on right, present wreaths

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     After the ceremony there was an informal luncheon at Vino's Italian Restaurant.  There Norfolk Chapter President Ken Hawkins presented Great Bridge Chapter Regent Dona Crisp with the SAR Medal of Appreciation.

Ken Hawkins presents the SAR Medal of Appreciation to Donna Crisp.