234th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE CROSSING OF THE DAN FEBRUARY 15, 2015 Berryman Green Chapter, NSDAR, Dan River Chapter Virginia Society, SAR, Halifax County Historical Society, Town of South Boston and Halifax County Middle School are co-‐hosting the 234th Anniversary Commemoration of the Crossing of the Dan (River) in Virginia during the American Revolution and invite you to attend and participate. Free public events are planned for Thursday night, February 5th and Saturday morning, February 15th 2015, at The Prizery, local community arts center, located at 700 Bruce Street, South Boston, Virginia. The “Retreat to the Dan” began in January 1781, following an American victory at Cowpens in South Carolina and became a “Race to the Dan” across North Carolina and into Virginia. The race was won by General Nathanael Greene with his “Crossing of the Dan” on February 14th at Irvin’s and Boyd’s ferries on the Dan River. This tactical retreat saved the American Southern Army and was one of the turning points in the war. The historical significance of the event places the Dan River crossing on a unique list of landmark sites of the American Revolution. On Thursday, February 5th, at 7:00 p. m., in the Chastain Theatre, the 6th grade Crossing Players, Singers, and Musicians from Halifax County Middle School will present the story through verse and song for the community. The evening’s activities will include recognition of the DAR essay contest winners. On Friday, February 6th, the program will be repeated for all 6th grade students. Travis Bowman, portraying Hercules of the Revolution, will address the students. On Friday, February 13th at 6:00 p.m., there will be a Meet and Greet Seafood Buffet Dinner (Dutch-‐Treat) at Ernie’s Restaurant, 1010 John Randolph Blvd., South Boston, VA 24592. Reservations will be appreciated. Please respond to Anne Raab (434-‐470-‐1350 or [email protected] or complete and return the Response Form. On Saturday, February 14th at 10:00 a. m., the SAR and DAR will host the annual Crossing of the Dan Commemoration program in the Chastain Theatre. It will include greetings and the presentation of wreaths by SAR, DAR, and local officials, recognition of the 6th grade essay contest winner, and the keynote address delivered by General George Washington. Following the morning program, guests are invited to visit the outdoor exhibit at the Boyd’s Ferry site on the Dan River. A Brunswick stew lunch will be available at the river for a cost of $5. A dramatic re-‐enactment of the Crossing of the Dan by British and Colonial troops will culminate the day’s activities. A replica of a ferry boat will transports troops across the river as muskets and cannons fire. Please complete and return the response form on the next page if you are planning to participate in the Saturday wreath presentation program. For more information, you may visit www.prizery.com/Crossing/Celebration.htm or contact Anne Raab [email protected] or Bernard Baker [email protected]. If you are a re-‐enactor, contact Elmer Woodard [email protected]. 234th Commemoration of the Crossing of the Dan Response Form Friday, February 13, 2015 Name(s) ________________________________________________ __ I (we) plan to attend the Seafood Buffet Dinner at Ernie’s Restaurant, 6:00 p.m. (DUTCH TREAT) Presentation of Wreaths Saturday, February 14, 2015 Name/Title if Applicable ____________________________________________________________________ Telephone: __________________ E-mail: ________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ 10:00 a. m. Commemoration Program __ I plan to represent my chapter/organization and would like to be recognized. __ I will present a wreath on behalf of my chapter/organization. __ I have a color guard that will also be attending and participating with me __ Number of Color Guard Participants __ I wish to bring greetings on behalf of my organization (state/national officers). I will NOT present a wreath. Name of Organization/Chapter ____________________________________ Please return to Anne Raab ~ P. O. Box 515 ~ Halifax, VA 24558 by February 7, 2015