New Bern Chapter-SAR and Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter-DAR Observe the 248th Anniversary of the New Bern Resolves

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On Saturday, 27 August 2022 members of the New Bern Chapter and Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter – DAR, St. Johns Masonic Lodge #3, “Heroes of 1776” – National Sojourners, Inc, Hugh Farrell and 100 Scouts and Scout Leaders of the Southern District of the East Carolina Council, BSA along with Shane Mason, Commander and the Fife and Drum Corps of the NC History Center-Tryon Palace (Tom Leith; Jeff Wood-Yesline; Larry Hunnings; Jackson Duncan; Rosa Wetherington; Dennis Andrews; Caroline Paul; Kim Blankenbeckler; and Tara Howard) observed the 248th Anniversary of the New Bern Resolves (1st NC and America Provincial Congress) in downtown New Bern, NC. The observance began with a colorful and musical procession down Middle Street stopping at the intersection of Middle and Broad Streets to pay honor at the site of the colonial Craven County Courthouse and the 71 Delegate Patriots who braved their lives, livelihoods and fortunes to address the grievances of the British Royal Crown and Parliament on 25-27 August 1774. Dana Outlaw, Past-Mayor, New Bern and Member of the New Bern Chapter read the City New Bern Resolves Proclamation. The guest speaker for the event was Sarah Koonts, NC Archivist who delivered a talk on the importance of the 1st NC Provincial Congress and the upcoming 250th Anniversary of our nation. Bobby Meadows of the “Heroes of 1776,” National Sojourners, Inc. provided an impressive “Toast to the Flag.” Joining in the procession and honors were: George Strunk, SMSGT, USAF (Ret), Vice-President General, South Atlantic District, NSSAR; Jay DeLoach, RDML, USN (Ret), President, NC Society; Bob Sigmon, Secretary, NC Society; Stephen McKee, NC Society Color Guard Commander and Vice-President, Foothills Region; Rod Mullen, President, Le Marquis de Lafayette Chapter, NC Society; Don Somers, Treasurer, Alamance Battleground Chapter, NC Society; Kenny Smith, Treasurer, George Washington Chapter, NC Society; Napoleon Carter, President, Patriot Isaac Carter Chapter, NC Society; Jody Henson, Jr., Past-President, Gov. Paul Hamilton Chapter, SC Society; Bill Zerby, Master, and other members of the St. Johns Masonic Lodge #3; The Reverend Paul Canady, Rector of Christ Episcopal Church; Sims Wayt, Regent, Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter, DAR; Adrienne Chaffee, Corresponding Secretary, NC Society, DAR; Nathan Westbrook, NC Society, Children of the American Revolution; and Gary Gillette, Registrar, New Bern Chapter and Chairman, Craven County Veterans Council. Other New Bern Chapter members participating in the procession and observance were Paul Higbee; Rick Layton; Dr. Bob Mull; Bobby Darden; Brian Dillon; Carleton Webster; Rob Webster, MSGT, USMC (Ret); Bruce Martin; Lee Purcell; Scott Brick; Bob Rigg; Bob Savacool; Dennis Lawrence; Ken McCotter, Jr.; Jeff Perkins; Jim Becker; Ed “Rusty” Stinson; Davis Benedict; Jim Morrison; and Jody Henson. DAR members participating in the observance were: Bili Layton; Louise Higbee; Lou Walker; Betty Corbin (Director, District 8); Mary Lynne Keener (Vice-Director, District 8); Phyllis Edmundson (Secretary/Treasurer, District 8); Debbie Marsh (Organizing Secretary); and Mary Aker (State Librarian). Participating for the Children of the American Revolution were Bethany Westbrook, President, NC Society, C.A.R. and Valerie Howell, Senior State president, NC Society, C.A.R. City officials and local organizations attending the observance were: Foster Hughes, City Manager; Chief Pat Gallagher, Chief of Police; Colleen Roberts, Public Information Officer, City of New Bern; Terri Sharp, Clerk of Superior Court, Craven County; Kathy Morrison, First Vice-President, New Bern Historical Society; and Kevin Roberts, President, New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce.