Battle at Kettle Creek Anniversary held

The 245th Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Kettle Creek was held Saturday, February 10, on “War Hill” in Wilkes County and downtown Washington, GA from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. With the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution President Ed Rigel, Jr. presiding, they had over 60 members dressed in Continental and militia uniforms present. The morning started with the raising of the 13-star Flag in front of the Wilkes County courthouse at 9 a.m. and a three-round volley from 35 flintlocks. Later, they participated in a parade two times around the Wilkes County Courthouse square. Then they formed up behind the courthouse in the lower field to participate in a reenactment, American Patriots vs the British Loyalists. They had the Brier Creek Artillery lined up at the top of the hill overlooking the lower field. The Skunk Brigade added a new Trist this year by bringing freshly purchased 11 British uniforms for anyone that wanted to borrow and dress out as the British, helping Col. Boyd, commander of the British. After a 15-minute battle and over 24 cannon shots were fired, the Patriot forces won again. Everyone then formed at the courthouse to lower the 13-star flag and fire a three-round volley with the flintlocks and then ate lunch. At 2 p.m., the Battle of Kettle Creek event was held on top of War Hill in Wilkes County. Presentation of the Colors was led by the National SAR Color Guard Commander Scott Collins and then after the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, Secretary General Darryl Addington presented his program. After his speech, the Wreath presentation was held representing 94 organizations and honoring those soldiers that fought at War Hill on February 14, 1779. The three-volley by the Col. Elijah Clarke Militia, Brier Creek Militia and the Brier Creek Artillery, was then fired. Taps was then played, and Mourn Muskets was presented. The Benediction was then said by Chaplain Anderson and closing remarks was given by President Rigel.