Sumter mayor signs Carolina Day proclamation

In anticipation of Carolina Day, Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen and members of the Col. Matthew Singleton Chapter, S.C. Society Sons of the American Revolution and member of S.C. Society Daughters of the American Revolution gathered in Sumter City Council Chambers on Tuesday to commemorate the signing of the city's Carolina Day proclamation.

"It's about keeping history alive and remembering what our patriot ancestors did for us," said Thomas Blackmon, president of the Col. Matthew Singleton Chapter, as he reminded members of the day's significance, when, on June 28, 1776, the Battle of Sullivan's Island became the first great victory for American forces against the British during the American Revolution. "If they hadn't fought for us, we wouldn't be standing here today."