The Halifax Resolves Chapter, North Carolina Sons of the American Revolution recently hosted a ceremony celebrating the 240^th anniversary of the adoption of the Halifax Resolves. The ceremony was held on the site of the Colonial Courthouse in Halifax, NC.  Dignitaries in attendance were NSSAR Secretary-General Mr. J. Michael Tomme, Sr., NSSAR South Atlantic Vice-President General Mr. Edward P. Rigel, Sr., NSSAR Genealogist-General Mr. John Sinks, SAR Foundation President Dr. Samuel C. Powell, and NSSAR Immediate Past President-General Mr. Lindsey Brock.  North Carolina SAR President Mr. Timothy W. Berly was also in attendance along with numerous NC SAR officers.  NC DAR Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Sandra L. Sperry represented the NC DAR.  NCSCAR Sr. President Mrs. Carolyn Coordes and NCSCAR President Miss Camille Edwards represented the NCSCAR.  The color guard was under the command of NSSAR Vice-Commander of the Color Guard Mr. Mark C. Anthony.  Halifax Resolves Chapter President Mr. C. Kenith Wilson was the master of ceremonies.

Halifax County Manager Mr. Tony Brown was also among the dignitaries who brought greetings to the gathering. Halifax Board of Commissioners Chairman Mr. Vernon Bryant read a Proclamation supporting the Halifax Resolves Chapter as they commemorated this important event in the county as well as the nation’s history.  A copy of the proclamation was presented to Halifax Resolves Chapter President C. Kenith Wilson.

The keynote speaker was Mr. David B. Gammon, NC SAR Education Committee Chairman, noted North Carolina author and Halifax Resolves Chapter member.  Mr. Gammon, whose Patriot ancestors were in Halifax County at the time of the Halifax Resolves, delivered an interesting talk entitled “When ordinary people do extraordinary things” referring to the will of the people in defying tyranny by adopting the Halifax Resolves and declaring independence.  Mr. Gammon was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his support of the Halifax Resolves chapter by HRC President C. Kenith Wilson.

Following the wreath laying ceremony, NSSAR Vice-Commander of the Color Guard Mr. Mark C. Anthony announced that Halifax Resolves Registrar/Color Guard Commander Mr. R. Allen Brahin had been awarded the SAR Von Steuben medal for sustained color guard service to the National Society of the SAR. Mr. Brahin was unable to attend to accept the award and it will be presented to him at a later date. NSSAR Secretary-General Mr. J. Michael Tomme, Sr. then presented Mrs. Janet W. Wilson the SAR Molly Pritcher medal. This medal was awarded to recognize her support of her color guardsman, Mr. C. Kenith Wilson at state, district and national color guard events for a period of at least six years.

NC SAR President Mr. Timothy W. Berly then awarded the SAR-CAR Silver Medal to NCSCAR President Miss Camille Edwards in recognition of her service to the state and her state project. NCSCAR Sr. President Mrs. Carolyn Coordes also received an SAR-CAR Silver Medal in recognition of her second two year term of service, excellent support of and participation in SAR events.

Mr. David B. Gammon

NSSAR Secretary-General Mr. J. Michael Tomme, Sr., Molly Pritcher Medal recipient Mrs. Janet W. Wilson and Halifax Resolves Chapter President C. Kenith Wilson

NCSCAR Sr. President Mrs. Carolyn Coordes and NCSCAR President Miss Camille Edwards were awarded SAR-CAR Silver Medals by NC SAR President Mr. Timothy W. Berly

The SAR Contingent at the Halifax Resolves Ceremony

Participants and Guest at the Halifax Resolves Ceremony – April 9, 2016