The Real Story of the American Revolution 

Commemorative Events, Photos and Videos

Latest Changes: 07Dec13 - revise link format / 07Dec16 - Cane Break photo-report / 08Jan30 - Charles City VA monument /

During 1999-2008 there will be special activities to commemorate
the 225th anniversary of the American Revolution (1775-1783).
Your family can see and participate in historic re-enactments
and can speak with knowledgable and personable living historians.
On the way home discuss what the United States means to you.

Special Events Underway or in the Future  2007 Sept to 2008 Jun -- Lafayette College (in Easton PA, founded 1826) is named for the Marquis de Lafayette , who was born in 2007 Sept 06. Lafayette was a titled officer in the French army, so deeply dedicated to freedom and liberty, that he chartered a ship to get the U.S. at his own expense so as to offer to serve in the Continental Army. Lafayette's understood true liberty to be “the fruition of the enactment of the rights of man”, and his life was devoted to global citizenship and service. To celebrate the 250th birthday of Lafayette's birth the College will hold special events focused on the connection between a free society and an educated citizenry in today's world. See their Web site: Honoring the Legacy and Ideals of the Marquis de Lafayette

Major Calendars of Upcoming Events  The National Society, Sons of the American Revolution works with many other organizations to provide public commemorations in most states. Upcoming Events with SAR participation The National Park Service reports on its commemoration activities related to the American Revolution under the title "Lighting Freedom's Flame" This has information on tours, educational resources, a timeline of events, and comments on the continuing revolution today.

Photos of Recent Events  To see photos of a commemoration listed below click on the description-link and look for a link with an icon at the end of the description. Many of the photo-albums were produced by and are posted on the North Carolina SAR's Event Photos page or Revolutionary War Photo Archives Virginia Society Photo Gallery Recent Commemorations with Photo-reports (in reverse date order = most recent listed first) 2008 Jan 27: DEDICATION of a Monument to the Black Patriots of Charles City VA who supported the American Revolution Description and photo-link 2007 Dec 08: COMMEMORATION of 232nd Anniversary of the Battle of the Great Cane Brake Simpsonville, SC Description and photo-link 2007 Oct 08: DEDICATION of a Plaque for the Haitian Regiment -- part of the French Army in the siege of Savannah GA Description and photo-link 2007 Oct 05: COMMEMORATION of Point Pleasant -- 233rd anniversary of this Battle. Description and photo-link 2007 Aug 18: COMMEMORATION of Battle of Blue Licks, KY -- 225rd anniversary of this Battle. Description and photo-link 2007 June 09: COMMEMORATION of Ramsour's Mill -- 227th anniversary of this Battle. Description and photo-link 2007 May 26-7: COMMEMORATION of the 31st Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous was held in Vincennes IN at the George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, where on 1779 Feb 25 the British surrendered Fort Sackville. Some 26,000 visitors attended the two-day event. About 400 re-enactors from the Northwest Territory Alliance camped out, demonstrated 18th century arts and crafts, and held mock battles. Description and photo-link 2007 May26: COMMEMORATION of Waxhaw (Buford's Massacre) (SC) -- 227th Anniversary of this event. Description and photo-link 2007 May 20: RE-ENACTMENT of the Battle of Weitzel's Mill, near Reedy Fork Creek NC. took place several months after the 226th anniversary of this battle (which occurrred in March). Description and photo-link 2007 March 10: DEDICATION of a commemorative plaque and cannon for The Last U.S. Naval Battle of the American Revolution, which occurred off Cape Canaveral, Florida. Description and photo-link 2007 Feb 10: COMMEMORATION of The Battle of Kettle Creek, near Washington GA. The 228th anniversary of this battle was commemorated by members of the Sons of the American Revolution from several states. Description and photo-link

Videos of Recent Events  Links for re-enactments of battles: Charleston-1780 (video from 2006 Feb) Lexington-1775 (video from 2006 Apr) Green Springs-1781 (video from 2006 July) Yorktown-1781 (video from 2006 Oct) Cooch's Bridge-1777 (video from 2007 Aug) Several of these are preview clips for (much longer) professional-quality, commercial video DVDs. 2007 Feb 10: COMMEMORATION of George Washington's Birthday: For fifteen years the Continental Line has paid its respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier -- at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Fort Ward VA. The city has made it an official part of its activities for the weekend, with representatives of the Scouts, DAR, SAR, SR, and Cincinnati. The event was featured in Stars and Stripes several years. Wreaths are presented and members of the public participate by laying red carnations on the grave site. Monday’s Tomb Ceremony went very well despite the cold, and this year we included a flag-changing ceremony again. This year’s parade included the British Brigade of Guards. Besides the usual street firing the troops staged a “battle” with the Redcoats at the end of the parade. Re-enactors from the Spanish Regiment posted an eight-minute video on YouTube. [submitted by Jeff Lambert (North Carolina SAR)] See the video.

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