Carolina Day, 28 June 2014

Join the Huguenot Society of South Carolina and other organizations as we celebrate Carolina Day 2014. The following ditty may refresh your memory concerning the events of 28 June 1776:

On June the 12 the British fleet

Sailed into Charles Towne harbor,

The 28th attacked the fort

And wounded John the barber.

Sir Peter Parker, foolish man

To put his fleet in danger.

They shot the britches off his back

And used him as a stranger.
The first celebration of the Battle of Sullivan’s Island took place in 1777 and through the years, Charleston has commemorated the event in different ways, including changes rung on the bells of St. Michael’s to tunes familiar at the time such as “The Old Gray Goose” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

We hope you will join us as we march  from Washington Square to White Point Gardens with representatives from other local organizations.  The Washington Light Infantry, the Waccamaw Light Artillery and the Charleston Community Band will help celebrate this important day in the history of our state and nation.  Many of the patriots who fought during the Revolutionary War were descendants of Huguenot refugees to the Carolina lowcountry.  Join us as we remember the bravery and fortitude of our ancestors.

The parade will begin at 11 am in Washington Square Park and end about 11:30 in White Point Gardens.  The keynote speaker, C. L. “Chip” Bragg will then speak, followed by the laying of a wreath at the Jasper Monument.

We know everyone is busy and that a lot of our members can walk with other groups, but we hope that some of you will take time and walk with the Huguenot Society of South Carolina.  We hope to see you Saturday week.