Brig. Gen. Thomas Sumter's birthday recognized

SUBMITTED

On Friday, Aug. 14, at Thomas Sumter Memorial Park in Dalzell, a joint effort between Sumter's Home Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonel Matthew Singleton Chapter Sons of the American Revolution commemorated the 292nd anniversary of Brigadier Gen. Thomas Sumter's birthday with their 4th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Diana Roof, chair of DAR Sumter's Home Chapter America 250 Committee, offered opening remarks welcoming those in attendance and recognizing special guests which included: DAR District V Director Nancy Corbett, representatives of the S.C. State Guard, Col. Adam Hallmark with Army Public Affairs, Daughters of the Colonists State Regent Linda Hawkins, the 20th Fighter Wing Honor Guard and the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

The invocation was given by Mary Wayne James, DAR Sumter's Home Chapter chaplain, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by DAR Sumter's Home Chapter member retired Air Force Lt. Col. Barb Kucharczyk. Ulysses Jordan Groves, member of the newly reorganized Gamecock Society of Children of the American Revolution, led the reciting of the American's Creed.

Dr. Erick Nason, noted author, military historian and retired Army Special Forces operator, was the guest speaker. He presented a first-person account of Gen. Sumter's life and adventures with his speech titled "A Quick Look at the Life and Times of General Sumter."

After Nason's presentation, the program was turned over to DAR Sumter's Home Chapter Registrar Penny Steed as she called forward the designated representatives to stand behind the wreaths that they were presenting to honor the life and legacy of American Patriot Brig. Gen. Thomas Sumter. Among those called forward were two descendants of Gen. Sumter, Anne Converse and John Loney.

A moment of silence was observed before a musket volley salute to honor Gen. Sumter was fired by SAR Colonel Matthew Singleton Chapter President Larry Gamble followed with Taps played by bugler First Class Airman Demeterio with the 20th Fighter Wing Honor Guard.

The Rev. Ellison Evans III from First Southern Methodist Church closed the program with the benediction.

Going forward, the annual Gen. Sumter Commemoration will be held on Gen. Thomas Sumter's birthday, Aug. 14.