Revolutionary Days full of activities for all ages

Revolutionary leaders Elijah Clarke, Andrew Pickens, John Dooly, Ben Franklin and many others in period dress will perform in living history demonstrations on The Square Saturday, Feb. 10 as Washington celebrates "Revolutionary Days."

Ceremonies, films, children's discussions, and a parade of costumed re-enactors will bring the Revolutionary War era to life next weekend, when Washington and Wilkes County will observe "Revolutionary Days" in memory of the Battle of Kettle Creek.

Started by the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution working with groups such as the Children and Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington- Wilkes Historical Foundation, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and VFW Post 5899, the SAR, said William Ramsaur, will "take a step back in time to honor our founding patriots and commemorate battles like this that 228 years ago forged American independence."

"On Saturday morning, February 10th, a full day of activities that will delight young and old begins at 9 a.m. with a showing of the Kettle Creek video at the Mary Willis Library. The video outlines the importance of this battle as a turning point leading up to the colonists' victory over the British at Yorktown," he said.

At 10 a.m., Revolutionary War reenactors and other personalities as well as SAR Color Guard members from several states and local organizations will converge on The Square in Washington. "Over 75 people are expected to participate in the Parade which will be followed by living history demonstrations in The Square," Ramsaur said. "Benjamin Franklin, Nancy Hart, Elijah and Hannah Clarke, Andrew Pickens, John Dooly and many others in period dress will meet the public. Children will be taught colonial games and how to march with muskets, and adults will be encouraged to sign an oath of allegiance and join the militia."

At 11:30 a.m., author Dr. Christine Swager will lead a children's discussion at the Mary Willis Library, describing the activities of the patriots after the Battle of Kettle Creek.

At the Kettle Creek Battleground located ten miles from Washington off SR 44, U.S. Army historians will conduct walking tours from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. tracing the steps of the Loyalists and the Patriots as they fought.

As always, the highlight of the day will be the pageantry at the 2 p.m. battleground memorial ceremony at the large monument on the top of War Hill. "Wreath presentations by the various organizations and descendants will honor the memory of the Patriots who fought in the Battle of Kettle Creek," Ramsaur said. "The Kettle Creek DAR Chapter will decorate the commemorative markers which list the names of the battle participants."

Memorial ceremony participants will include U.S. Army Honor Guard from Fort Gordon, Continental Regiment Fife & Drum, SAR Color Guard in Continental Line uniforms, Elijah Clarke Militia and Greene County HS JROTC.

Revolutionary War era music will be provided by the Washington- Wilkes High School Ensemble and the Children of the American Revolution will perform a flag ceremony for the original thirteen states. Rifle and musket salutes honoring the Kettle Creek Patriots will conclude the Ceremony.

All activities are free and the public is encouraged to attend. For further info call the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce at (706) 678-2013. "Revolutionary Days" sponsors include Georgia Society, Athens and Samuel Elbert Chapters of the SAR; Kettle Creek DAR Chapter; City of Washington; Wilkes County; W-W Chamber of Commerce; W-W Historical Foundation; Mary Willis Library and the Washington Historical Museum.

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