SAR conducts ceremony to honor the memory of Daniel Morgan

On September 17, 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution conducted a ceremony to honor the memory of Daniel Morgan on Constitution Day. The ceremony was held in Mt Hebron Cemetery at Morgan’s grave site. The Shenandoah Christian Alliance and Boy Scout Troop #5 participated along with the SAR after a program to commemorate the Constitution.

Participants from the Colonel James Wood II Chapter and Boy Scout Troop #5. (Photos courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel)

A combined color guard consisting of compatriots from the SAR and the Boy Scouts from Troop 5 marched to Morgan’s grave site for a ceremony to commemorate Daniel Morgan’s service during the Revolutionary War. In 1775, Morgan recruited a company called “Morgan’s Riflemen” who conducted the beeline march from Virginia to Boston in 21 days. His company was sent to Quebec where he was injured and captured, a POW until his release in early 1776. Morgan’s ability to think beyond the confines of the accepted standards of warfare led to his significant contributions throughout the war.

Thomas “Chip” Daniel presenting a wreath to Daniel Morgan.

While in command of light infantry, Morgan and his men used hit and run maneuvers, utilizing tactics that disturbed the disciplined British troops. As a commander, he made significant contributions to the victory at the Battle of Saratoga. In the south, his main adversary was Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. In January 1781, Morgan lured Tarleton into a trap and utilized a double envelopment tactic that had not been previously used. With Tarleton’s aggressive behavior and belief the colonials were an inept force, Morgan had a complete victory which became the turning point in the Southern Campaign. This eventually led to the victory at Yorktown. For his efforts, Congress granted Morgan a gold medal.

The musket squad firing a salute, from left to right: Allan Phillips, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Kelly Ford, Mike St Jacques and Sean Carrigan.

Compatriot Mike St Jacques gave a presentation on “Who is Daniel Morgan”. A prayer was offered by the Reverend Larry Johnson, a wreath presented to honor the Revolutionary War Hero by Thomas “Chip” Daniel and the musket squad fired a three round salute. Participating for the SAR were Brian Bayliss, Dale Carpenter, Sean Carrigan, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Kelly Ford, Larry Johnson, Allan Phillips, Tom Reed, Mike St Jacques and Richard Tyler. Also attending from the SAR were Marshal DeHaven and Wayne Barringer.