NORFOLK CHAPTER • VIRGINIA SOCIETY • SAR
2011 CEREMONIES
in celebration of the
BATTLE OF GREAT BRIDGE
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NSSAR Inauguration
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Marshall Memorial Monument Dedication
in honor of former PG Reon G. Hillegass, Jr.
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Great Bridge Chapter, NSDAR Wreath-Laying
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Remarks, Recitals & Endorsements
Rev. Canon Henry N. F. Minich, Chaplain
Virginia Society SAR
(Delivering the opening ceremony Invocation.)
Henry P. "Phil" Williams III, President-Elect
Virginia Society SAR
(Leading compatriots in recital of the Pledge to the SAR.)
William E. Ward, President
Great Bridge Battlefield &
Waterways History Foundation
(Introducing the assembly to the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation and thanked the National Society SAR for its recognition of this important Virginia battle. )
Lawrence E. McKinley, VPG
Mid-Atlantic District NSSAR
"I represent the National Society Sons of the American Revolution and our President General, Larry Magerkurth when I say …we have a long history in supporting patriotic education and of remembering the sacrifices of our patriotic ancestors. BATTLE OF GREAT BRIDGE
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NSSAR Inauguration
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Marshall Memorial Monument Dedication
in honor of former PG Reon G. Hillegass, Jr.
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Great Bridge Chapter, NSDAR Wreath-Laying
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Remarks, Recitals & Endorsements
Rev. Canon Henry N. F. Minich, Chaplain
Virginia Society SAR
(Delivering the opening ceremony Invocation.)
Henry P. "Phil" Williams III, President-Elect
Virginia Society SAR
(Leading compatriots in recital of the Pledge to the SAR.)
William E. Ward, President
Great Bridge Battlefield &
Waterways History Foundation
(Introducing the assembly to the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation and thanked the National Society SAR for its recognition of this important Virginia battle. )
Lawrence E. McKinley, VPG
Mid-Atlantic District NSSAR
I extend a huge Thank You to Mayor Krasnoff and the citizens of Chesapeake for the outstanding proclamation provided as we both commemorate the events at Great Bridge.
Since there are Historians and dignitaries that will communicate about the significance of what happened here, I simply recall the challenge made to the American people by Dr. Joseph Warren, great Orator and Physician, after the Boston Massacre. These words are true today: 'On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question on which rest happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourself.'”
Mark S. Brennan, Sr., President
Virginia Society SAR
I knew I would be at Great Bridge today, but never would have predicted it would be the National Society’s Inaugural ceremony for this event. These men have kept my word for me and fulfilled my promises.
Why is Great Bridge so important? And why has it been so overlooked? I am not a historian, but I sense that the answers lie in the fact that the patriots who fought here caused the enemy to flee Virginia entirely, rather than surrender, as occurred at Yorktown about six years later, and there was no loss of American lives. The patriots made the British die for their country. These patriots prevented the British from keeping the strategic port of Norfolk, thus leading to its capture by American forces and the expulsion of the King’s government and troops from Virginia. Then there was a whole long, hard war that followed with many bloody battles, at places and with names very familiar to us. As a result of this, I think that the significance of the victory at Great Bridge, so early fought in the war, was somehow under appreciated or muted by historians.
But the truth is that the victory kicked the British out of Virginia, deprived the Crown of all use of its former colony and convinced Virginians that they had to seek total separation from Great Britain, leading to the establishment of its own government in 1776. As Dr. Whetstone recently wrote in his fine article in SAR Magazine, this in turn freed Virginia from the conflict for three years, enabled it time to accumulate critical supplies and troops, and to establish troop and supply lines to Washington’s army. Of course, Virginia also later supported the patriots with troops and supplies in the South, which forced General Cornwallis to his trap in Yorktown.
The American Revolution began in another Commonwealth, but it ended in this one. And it must be remembered that the shots fired in Great Bridge less than 8 months after those fired in Lexington and Concord, played a major role in the surrender at Yorktown, almost six years later. It is for these reasons, we must always celebrate the victory and remember the patriots who fought so hard here.
Thank you."
G. Stephen Pittard, President
North Carolina Society SAR
"It is with pleasure that the North Carolina Society stands with you today, recognizing the efforts of our patriot ancestors on this field of battle. Let me share with you a brief list of Important revolutionary events of 1775.
On March 23, Patrick Henry delivers his famous "Give me Liberty of give me death" speech. On the 18th of April, Paul Revere and William Dawes alert the countryside of invading British forces, and on the 19th, the shot heard 'round the world' as minutemen and redcoats clash at Lexington & Concord. On May 10th, Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys seize Fort Ticonderoga, while the 2nd Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia. George Washington is named Commander in Chief just a few days before the British drive the Americans from Breed's Hill on June 19th. Washington assumes command of the Continental Army on July 3rd. The patriots under Montgomery occupy Montreal on November 13th, and then we come to… December 9th, when Virginia and NC patriots rout Loyalist troops at Great Bridge, and occupy Norfolk
Several references of NC's participation at the Battle of Great Bridge include: North Carolina sees her sister Virginia's need and heeds her call, sending Long and Sumner from Halifax and Warren counties, and Skinner and Daugé from Perquimans and Pasquotank counties, with their minute men and volunteers. Colonel Woodford, in command of the 2nd Virginia Regiment, reports that two hundred and fifty Carolina men arrived "composed of regulars, minute men, militia and volunteers..."
The Virginia Gazette reported that "150 gentlemen volunteers had marched to Virginia from North Carolina on hearing of Lord Dunmore's insolences and outrages." At least 69 Currituck County men are involved in the battle, some as minute men commanded by Col. Samuel Jarvis. According to family tradition, Lt. Joseph Ferebee of Jarvis' 10th NC Militia, killed Fordyce in the battle.
The aid of Minute Men from Albemarle County is also mentioned. Colonel Robert Howe marches six hundred North Carolina Continentals from Edenton, NC into Virginia, reaching Norfolk too late to help at Great Bridge, but expels Dunmore's forces, taking possession of the city for the Americans.
I could go on, but my main point is… that while Virginia and North Carolina's shared border is a definite line on a map, it is not so well defined with the blood of their patriots. Families are tied across it and they came to the aid of each other as the need arose, not as NC or VA, but as Americans.
Once again, the North Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution is proud to stand with the Virginia Society as we celebrate this important early victory during our long struggle to be a free people, and I am certain that we will continue to stand together as Americans in the face of all trials to come.
We have a common bond that can't be broken; a blood bond, a blood-shed bond."
On March 23, Patrick Henry delivers his famous "Give me Liberty of give me death" speech. On the 18th of April, Paul Revere and William Dawes alert the countryside of invading British forces, and on the 19th, the shot heard 'round the world' as minutemen and redcoats clash at Lexington & Concord. On May 10th, Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys seize Fort Ticonderoga, while the 2nd Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia. George Washington is named Commander in Chief just a few days before the British drive the Americans from Breed's Hill on June 19th. Washington assumes command of the Continental Army on July 3rd. The patriots under Montgomery occupy Montreal on November 13th, and then we come to… December 9th, when Virginia and NC patriots rout Loyalist troops at Great Bridge, and occupy Norfolk
Several references of NC's participation at the Battle of Great Bridge include: North Carolina sees her sister Virginia's need and heeds her call, sending Long and Sumner from Halifax and Warren counties, and Skinner and Daugé from Perquimans and Pasquotank counties, with their minute men and volunteers. Colonel Woodford, in command of the 2nd Virginia Regiment, reports that two hundred and fifty Carolina men arrived "composed of regulars, minute men, militia and volunteers..."
The Virginia Gazette reported that "150 gentlemen volunteers had marched to Virginia from North Carolina on hearing of Lord Dunmore's insolences and outrages." At least 69 Currituck County men are involved in the battle, some as minute men commanded by Col. Samuel Jarvis. According to family tradition, Lt. Joseph Ferebee of Jarvis' 10th NC Militia, killed Fordyce in the battle.
The aid of Minute Men from Albemarle County is also mentioned. Colonel Robert Howe marches six hundred North Carolina Continentals from Edenton, NC into Virginia, reaching Norfolk too late to help at Great Bridge, but expels Dunmore's forces, taking possession of the city for the Americans.
I could go on, but my main point is… that while Virginia and North Carolina's shared border is a definite line on a map, it is not so well defined with the blood of their patriots. Families are tied across it and they came to the aid of each other as the need arose, not as NC or VA, but as Americans.
Once again, the North Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution is proud to stand with the Virginia Society as we celebrate this important early victory during our long struggle to be a free people, and I am certain that we will continue to stand together as Americans in the face of all trials to come.
We have a common bond that can't be broken; a blood bond, a blood-shed bond."
Forrest B. Chilton, President
Kentucky Society SAR
"Greetings from far Western Virginia, that area known as 'Caintuck' (sic), 'Dark and Bloody Ground', and 'Kentuckee' (sic). I had two 4th great uncles in the Culpepper Minute Men, and their brother, my 4th great grandfather, was at Yorktown. Many of the Culpepper veterans came to Kentucky.
The uniform I wear is a replica of John Penny’s uniform, who served Virginia from Norfolk two terms, then a third tour with North Carolina troops. John Penny became an ordained Baptist minister. He started two churches in Kentucky, the first in 1797, the second in 1798 (Salt River Baptist Church), pastoring it until his death in 1833 in a cholera epidemic. His pension was approved in 1832 and continued until his death. Congress approved the pension for widows in 1838. When his widow applied she needed witness of 'affydavy' (sic). The affidavit was given by a woman who said that the Reverend always preached in his old buff uniform. It is interesting to note that his great-grandson, John Cash Penney, founded the J. C. Penney chain.
Many of you have looked quizically at our red and green 'Christmas flag.' This was the flag of a Virginia regiment called the Illinois Regiment. Its Commander, George Rogers Clark, and his forces are responsible for the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin being part of the United States instead of Canada. Upon capture of Ft. Sackville the second time the ladies there complained that he should have a flag so they would know his forces. He allowed them to make his flag with the only available cloth, red and green, alternating 13 stripes.
The red and green flag is a Christmas flag, presenting a gift from George Rogers Clark and his men of the Illinois regiment of Virginia forces – a gift to the United States – Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Any reference to a quotation is not plagiarism, but a collision of thought or a collusion of spirit."
The uniform I wear is a replica of John Penny’s uniform, who served Virginia from Norfolk two terms, then a third tour with North Carolina troops. John Penny became an ordained Baptist minister. He started two churches in Kentucky, the first in 1797, the second in 1798 (Salt River Baptist Church), pastoring it until his death in 1833 in a cholera epidemic. His pension was approved in 1832 and continued until his death. Congress approved the pension for widows in 1838. When his widow applied she needed witness of 'affydavy' (sic). The affidavit was given by a woman who said that the Reverend always preached in his old buff uniform. It is interesting to note that his great-grandson, John Cash Penney, founded the J. C. Penney chain.
Many of you have looked quizically at our red and green 'Christmas flag.' This was the flag of a Virginia regiment called the Illinois Regiment. Its Commander, George Rogers Clark, and his forces are responsible for the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin being part of the United States instead of Canada. Upon capture of Ft. Sackville the second time the ladies there complained that he should have a flag so they would know his forces. He allowed them to make his flag with the only available cloth, red and green, alternating 13 stripes.
The red and green flag is a Christmas flag, presenting a gift from George Rogers Clark and his men of the Illinois regiment of Virginia forces – a gift to the United States – Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Any reference to a quotation is not plagiarism, but a collision of thought or a collusion of spirit."
Alan P. Krasnoff, Mayor
City of Chesapeake
(Mayor's Proclamation thanking the National Society SAR for recognizing the Battle on "Battle of Great Bridge Observance Day.")
E. Preston Grissom, Chairman
GBB&WHF Planning Committee
(Introducing the assembly to the Park, Interpretive Path and future growth opportunities for development of the four quadrants of the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation. )
Harry F. Blevins, Member
Virginia State Senate
(Reading from Governor Robert F. McDonnell's "Resolution" in recognition of December 3rd 2011 as "Battle of Great Bridge Observance Day.")
Randy Forbes, Congressman (not in attendance)
United States House of Representatives
(Click here to view Congressman Forbes' letter of support.)
Carolyn M. Knight, Director
District 1, Virginia Society, NSDAR
Ann S. Maliniak, Past Regent
Chesapeake Chapter, NSDAR
Gail B. Sutliff, Regent
Four Flags Chapter, NSDAR
Catherine W. Raitt, Regent
Great Bridge Chapter, NSDAR
Jennie Lou Pangle, Regent
Princess Anne County Chapter, NSDAR
John D. Sinks, Ph.D., Asst. Registrar
District of Columbia Society SAR
(Justifying the text employed on the Marshall Monument Plaque.)
Thomas Marshall was a member of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Virginia Conventions. These conventions called for Virginia to assume a military posture on the eve of the Revolution, established a military organization once war broke out, and established a permanent government to replace the Royal government. Thomas Marshall was one of the field officers of the Culpeper Minute Battalion, the best organized minute battalion in Virginia and the only minute battalion to play a key role in a significant battle in Virginia: Great Bridge.
While Thomas Marshall was a lieutenant colonel and colonel of the 3rd Virginia Regiment, that regiment fought in the victory at Trenton and was credited as being the regiment that held off the British onslaught at Brandywine, enabling Washington’s army to withdraw. At Germantown Marshall acted as brigade commander in place of William Woodford who was recovering from a wound, and fought at the Chew House.
The General Assembly, while Thomas Marshall was a member representing Fayette County (now Kentucky), passed legislation to reduce the public debt. It also passed legislation empowering the Kentucky county courts to establish public ferries, probably a matter of more immediate concern to his constituents.
The record is more clear about the personal contributions of John Marshall, especially after the early stages of his career. John Marshall served as a lieutenant in one of the companies of the Culpeper Minute Battalion at Great Bridge. He was an officer in the 3rd Virginia Regiment, but his company was assigned to the light infantry of the 11th. He seems to have been at more battles than he was in. He engaged at Germantown at the Chew House and wounded in the hand. He was at Valley Forge when von Steuben shaped the Continental Army into a very formidable fighting force.
John Marshall was a leader in Congress. Marshall played an important role in passing the bankruptcy bill, which made obsolete imprisoning debtors. He defended President John Adams against Republican charges that Adams overstepped his powers in approving the extradition of an American seaman. That speech laid out a boundary between executive and judicial powers in carrying out Constitutional mandates that is still observed today. He split with his own Federalist Party on the repeal of the alien and sedition acts, defending freedom of speech and press.
As Secretary of State, John Marshall articulated a policy of strict neutrality in the dispute between England and France, while using the law of nations to demonstrate the validity of the U.S. position on the British seizure of goods as contraband, unjust decisions of British prize courts, and the impressment of seamen. A treaty with France ending the quasi-war was negotiated.
As Chief Justice of the Supreme Court he shaped the scope of the authority of the judicial branch. One of his legacies is the principle of judicial review to determine the Constitutionality of laws, with the Supreme Court being the final arbiter.
Reflecting on his life and career in a letter to Justice Joseph Story in 1827, Marshall wrote, 'I had grown up at a time when a love of union and resistance to the claims of Great Britain were the inseparable inmates of the same bosom;--when patriotism and a strong fellow feeling with our suffering fellow citizens of Boston were identical;--when the maxim 'united we stand, divided we fall' was the maxim of every orthodox American; and I had imbibed these sentiments so thoroughly that they constituted a part of my being. I carried them with me into the army where I found myself associated with brave men from different states who were risking life and everything valuable in a common cause believed by all to be most precious; and where I was confirmed in the habit of considering America as my country, and congress as my government.'” (From an autobiographical letter to Justice Joseph Story, 1827.)
Robert B. Hitchings, Immediate Past President
Norfolk Chapter SAR
(Remembering the Reon G. & Jean Rourke Hillegass Family and their commitments and contributions to the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.)
J. Thomas Whetstone, Ph.D., Vice President
Norfolk Chapter SAR
(Leading the assembly in recital of the Recessional of the SAR.)
LaNelle Janis, Past Regent
Great Bridge Chapter, NSDAR
(Delivering the Invocation for the Chapter's 58th Annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony.)
Caroline Phillips, Past Regent
Great Bridge Chapter, NSDAR
(Leading the assembly in the recital of the "American's Creed.")
Cecile H. Budimier, Past Regent
Great Bridge Chapter, NSDAR
(Delivering the Benediction to close the ceremony.)
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