236th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens

13-14 Jan 2017                                                          Gaffney, SC

General Daniel Morgan Statue in Spartanburg, SC

   This weekend the Sons of the American Revolution and the National Parks Service celebrated the 236th anniversary of the patriot victory at the Battle of Cowpens, near present day Gaffney, SC. The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter was represented by President Bill Schwetke and his wife, Cat.  Other chapter members who participated were dual members, President General Mike Tomme and his wife Cilla, and past President General Lidnsey Brock and his wife Cilla.  All three compatriots participated in the color guard.
     The ceremonies commenced Friday afternoon with the presentation of a wreath and carnations at the General Daniel Morgan statue in downtown Spartanburg, SC.

The SAR Color Guard advances the colors at the Daniel Morgan Statue. CMM President Bill Schwetke is thrid from left with Virginia Flag.

SAR President General Mike Tomme (CMM member) and Park Superintendent John Slaughter (SAR compatriot) advance the wreath.

CMM President Bill Schwetke renders honors at General Daniel Morgan's statue.

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Monument at the Cowpens National Military Park Visitors' Center.

SAR Color Guard at the Washington Light Infantry Monument.

    Saturday morning featured the wreath laying at the Cowpens National Military Park memorial.  Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks Group Superintendent John Slaughter was the master of ceremonies.  The SAR Color Guard, about forty strong, posted the colors.  The featured speaker was SAR President General Mike Tomme, who gave a concise overview of the battle and its significance.  Then approximately 90 wreaths were presented by the SAR, DAR, C.A.R., and other patriotic organizations.

SAR Color Guard advances the colors. Front row, left to right: SAR Color Guard Commander Dave Hoover, President General Mike Tomme (CMM member), past President General Lindsay Brock (CMM member), SAR Color Guard Vice Commander Mark Anthony.

"Present Arms"

Master of Ceremonies, Park Superintendent John Slaughter.

Keynote speaker, SAR President General Mike Tomme (CMM member).

Wreath presentation at the Washington Light Infantry Monument. Left to right, Park Superintendent John Slaughter, a junior ranger, SAR President General Mike Tomme.