Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution Brier Creek and Wiregrass Chapters along with the Governor David Emanuel - Adam Brinson Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolutions held the 242nd Anniversary Celebration of the Battle at Brier Creek on the battlefield, Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 11 a.m.
The Master of Ceremonies for this event was Compatriot Tommy Christopher. This was Compatriot Christopher’s sixth year as the MC. The invocation was given by Brier Creek President Wayne Howard followed by the playing of Amazing Grace and Flowers of the Forest by bag piper Dave Crampton of the Edward Telfair Chapter of the GASSAR. Compatriot Scotty Scott then led in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Compatriot Wilder Smith, Jr. leading in the National Anthem.
MC Christopher then introduced several special guests who brought greetings from their respective organizations. Compatriot Ruskin Powell of the Wiregrass Chapter introduced this year’s speaker, Artillery Commander Steve Burke of the Wiregrass Chapter. Compatriot Burke’s presentation was titled, The American Soldier. Burke presented an outstanding program that included soldiers that fought in battle at Brier Creek and mentioned some descendants of these soldiers that still live today in Screven and surrounding counties.
After Burke finished his presentation, MC Christopher called on each wreath presenter to present their wreath as he called their names. There was a total of 56 wreath presenters. Next, MC Christopher asked that the Georgia Society Combined Award Winning Color Guard to retrieve the colors. Then, Commander Scott Collins of the Flintlock and Cannon detail ordered a 3-round volley alternating Flintlocks and then Cannon firing. Flintlocks used were the 50 Cal. Pennsylvania/Kentucky Rifles and the Brown Bess 75 cal. Muskets. Cannons used were the 6-pounder Mortar and the 6-pounder Naval Cannon. After the volley, the bugler, CW4 Larry Hyatt played Last Post and then Taps.
Last Post is a 17th Century bugle call played as a final farewell, symbolizing the fact that the duty of the dead soldier(s) is over and they can rest in peace. Last Post was used until Taps was introduced in 1862.
During this celebration, and while Last Post was played, a militia soldier, Compatriot Allen Mincey from the Brier Creek Chapter, slowly walked away from the celebration into the woods. After Taps were played, Color Guard Commander Bill Palmer gave the command to retire the colors. At this time, President Wayne Howard said the benediction after which MC Christopher gave the closing remarks and reminded everyone that next year’s 243rd Celebration's would be on March 4 and 5, 2022.
