The Wiregrass Chapter of the Georgia Society – Sons of the American Revolution (GASSAR) held its monthly meeting Thursday, July 9, at New China Restaurant at 6:30 p.m. with President Wilder Smith Jr. presiding.
Twenty-one members and guests attended the first meeting since March 12, 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic swept the United States and shut down the country.
Last Thursday’s meeting was especially great due to several reasons.
First and foremost, local attorney Mike Lisenby attended and presented one of his many programs. The program for July 9 was titled "Patriots Focus on Liberty and the U.S. Constitution.”
Secondly, President Smith presented several streamers to Sergeant-At-Arms George King to attach to the chapter’s flag.
President Wilder also inducted Alton Reynolds into the chapter and also introduced newly-approved member Johnny Edwin Tapley Jr., who will be inducted at a later date when his certificate from national headquarters is received.
Fourthly, East Fall Line Region Vice President Sonny Pittman from Augusta attended, along with his wife, Sue Pittman. Vice President Pittman talked with members about the inaugural celebration of the First Siege of Augusta, which will take place September 12, 2020 on the actual battlefield.
The First Siege of Augusta happened September 14-18, 1780. The attacking American forces, consisting of about 400-700 soldiers, were commanded by Col. Elijah Clarke and Lt. Col. James McCall. The British forces consisted of some 450 soldiers and were commanded by Col. Thomas Brown and Col. Thomas Grierson. American casualties included approximately 60 killed/wounded and 27 missing/captured. British casualties, on the other hand, were estimated to be 75 killed/wounded. The battle resulted in a draw.
Vice President Pittman has worked extremely hard putting the celebration together. Moving forward, it will operate on an alternating basis between the first siege with the second siege to follow.
To become a member of the Wiregrass Chapter, contact Registrar Dess Smith III at 478-299-1039 or email him at saussure@bellsouth.net.
