236th Anniversary of the Crossing of the Dan

17-18 Feb 2017                                      South Boston, VA

      The 236th Anniversary of the Crossing of the Dan was celebrated Saturday at the Prizery and on the river  front  in South Boston, VA. During the week there were several activities, including competitions among the school children, in remembrance of this significant Revolutionary War event.  22 Virginia SAR compatriots, from 14 chapters, were joined by many others from North Carolina for this event.  Virginia SAR was represented by President Mike Elston, and NSSAR was represented by Vice-President General Mark Brennan.

        Friday evening many of the SAR and DAR participants gathered at Ernie's Restaurant for camaraderie and a seafood buffet. The Dan River Chapter was our host.

Compatriots gather at Ernie's

Compatriots in the buffet line

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     Saturday  morning a crowd of well over 100 gathered in the Prizery auditorium for the Crossing of the Dan Program.  Past Virginia SAR President Phil Williams was the master of ceremonies.  The program began with the SAR Color Guard posting the colors, then greetings from: Host Chapter President Bernard Baker Halifax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dennis Witt, Halifax Town Manager Carly Espy, South Boston Town Manager Tom Raab, and Berryman Green Chapter NSDAR Regent Barbara Bass.
     The program was an update on the progress of the Southern Campaign by General Nathanael Green, portrayed by Dan McMichael.

Dan River Chapter President Bernie Baker presents greetings, while M/C Phil Williams, on right, looks on.

SAR Color Guard posts the colors

Dennis Witt, Chairman, Halifax County Board of Supervisors.

Carl Espy, Halifax Town Manager.

Tom Raab, South Boston Town Manager.

Bargara Bass, Regent, Berryman Green Chapter, NSDAR.

Anne Raab of the Berryman Green Chapter, NSDAR, who presented the student oration winner.

General Greene reports on the Southern Campaign.

General Greene, portrayed by Dan McMichael.

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     After the program in the Prizery, the group marched behind the Color Guard down to the monument on the river for presentations of the wreaths.

March to the Crossing of the Dan Monument

Ceremony at the monument on the north bank of the Dan River.

General Greene marches to the Dan, with a helper carrying the wreath to be thrown into the river.

General Greene and his helper throw the wreath into the Dan River.

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This got great coverage in area newspapers, which can be seen at:

The Gazette Virginian: 

The Gazette-Virginian (#2):

The Martinsville Bulletin: 

Go Dan River.com: 

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