Winston Family Patriots Honored

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A grave marking ceremony hosted by the Halifax Resolves SAR Chapter and the Shocco Creek NSDAR Chapter was conducted at the Winston Family Cemetery near Youngsville honoring Anthony Winston and his son John Winston recognizing their contributions to the fight for independence.

Master of Ceremonies Mr. Ken Wilson welcomed those gathered to participate in and observe the ceremony.  Compatriot Mark Anthony of the Georgia SAR Society gave the Invocation.

The colors were presented by the Combined NC SAR Color Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance was led Ms. Wynn Smith, Regent, Shocco Creek Chapter, NSDAR.  NC SAR Color Guard Commander SMSgt. George K. Strunk, USAF (ret.) then led the SAR Chorus and all gathered in singing the National Anthem.

Compatriot Wilson then recognized officers and members of the various societies and organizations present.  Those present bringing greetings were: Mr. Geoff Pittard, President of the Halifax Resolves Chapter NC SAR; NC SAR President Rear Admiral Jay A. Deloach, USN (ret.); the Georgia SAR was represented by Mr. Mark Anthony of the Piedmont Chapter; Mr. William Schwetke, National Trustee, brought greetings on behalf of the Virginia Society SAR; Ms. Wynn Smith, Regent, Shocco Creek Chapter NSDAR; NC DAR Regent Ms. Anna Choi and Mr. Mitch Godfrey, Commander of American Legion Post 105 in Louisburg, NC brought greeting from that organization.

Ms. Linda Winston Jones, 4th great-granddaughter of Anthony Winston, spoke briefly about the family’s journey from the Colony of Virginia to settle in what is now Franklin County, NC. She told about the hardships the family faced before, during and after the War of Independence and the sacrifices of Anthony and John Winston during the war.  Thanks were given to the SAR and DAR for recognizing her ancestors.

Compatriot William H. Riggan, III introduced Mr. Mark Pace, who in the persona of John Penn, spoke about the era leading up to Revolutionary War and events that contributed to the break from Great Britain. He also told the gathering about some of the local history pertaining to the Revolutionary War.

Compatriot Wilson and Compatriot Steve Avent, Halifax Resolves Acting Chaplain, then dedicated the markers.  This was followed by a musket volley provided by Compatriot William Schwetke of the Virginia Society, SAR.

Wreaths were presented by the Halifax Resolves Chapter, NC SAR; the North Carolina SAR; the Georgia SAR/Piedmont Chapter GASSAR; the Virginia SAR/Culpeper Minute Men Chapter VASSAR; Alamance Battle- ground Chapter NC SAR; General George Washington Chapter NC SAR; Lower Cape Fear Chapter NC SAR; Mecklenburg Chapter NC SAR; New Bern Chapter NC SAR; NCSDAR/Shocco Creek Chapter NSSDAR; Micajah Pettaway – Halifax Resolves Chapter NSDAR; Warren Chapter NSDAR; Boy Scout Troop 555 of Louisburg, NC and American Legion Post 105 of Louisburg. NC SAR President DeLoach then presented NCSDAR Regent Anna Choi with two awards that the NCSDAR had received at the National SAR Congress.

Compatriot Frank Hall led the SAR Recessional after which the Combined Color Guard retired the Colors and Compatriot Mark Anthony gave the Benediction closing the ceremony.