On Saturday, July 27, I attended the Battle of Rockfish Creek Anniversary Celebration and Wreath Laying followed by a delicious lunch at the Wallace United Methodist Church. The Alexander Lillington SAR Chapter and the Battle of Rockfish Chapter sponsored this first-time event held at the obelisk erected in 1976, to honor the fallen patriots of this skirmish. Although this obelisk stands near the battle site, it had never been dedicated. This monument was the idea of a Rockfish Chapter member who made it happen many years ago. The NCSSAR Color Guard in historically correct outfits presented the flags and added Colonial ambiance to the affair. SAR officer John Thornhill emceed. Everyone was grateful for a break in the hot weather and a nice breeze. Duplin County Manager Davis Brinson and Wallace Mayor Charles Farrior spoke as the fifty or so attendees sat in the shade of an oak tree. Duane Bell, Registrar of the Colonel Alexander Lillington Chapter, delivered remarks on the battle before the wreath laying.
Besides your state regent representing the NCSDAR and State President James Becker representing the NCSSAR, there were members from five DAR Chapters and six SAR Chapters. Presenting wreaths were Susan Corliss-Bland, Regent of the Battle of Rockfish Chapter; Joan Carr, Regent of the Richard Clinton Chapter; Jo Stroud, Regent of the Stamp Defiance Chapter; Jackie Davis, Vice Regent of the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge Chapter; and Sherry Cousey, Vice Regent of the Liberty Point Chapter. Presenting wreaths for the SAR were David Campbell, President of the Colonel Alexander Lillington Chapter; John Stewart, President of the Lower Cape Fear Chapter; Rolf Maris, Past President of the New Bern Chapter; George Strunk, President of the General George Washington Chapter; Don Somers of the Alamance Battleground Chapter; and Michael Aycock of the Marquis de Lafayette Chapter.
It was a lovely ceremony and I do hope it will become an annual affair. Nearby DAR chapter members should plan to attend. Thank you to Sherry Cousey for sharing her photo.
Carole Weiss, State Regent
