Acknowledgements: On May 26, 2012, four members of the Elizabeth Hutchison Jackson Chapter of Indian Land, SC traveled to Buford’s Battleground & Grave Site in Lancaster County, South Carolina, Pat Donatelli, Ann Shugart, Ann Sligar and Mary Jane Stallworth and HODARS Tony Donatelli and Greg Sligar. The occasion was to participate in a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony, as well as a flag and flagpole dedication commemorating the 232nd anniversary of Buford’s Massacre, Battle of the Waxhaws. Our past State Regent, Marilyn Altman, dedicated the flag pole that was donated by the South Carolina Daughters. The flag was donated by the people of the State of South Carolina. The Sun City Carolina Lakes Motorcycle Club was instrumental in installing the flagpole. This is the first time in 200 years that a flag has flown over this site. This is a historic battleground with a memorial dedicated to honor Colonel Abraham Buford and his regiment of 350 Virginians. Nearly all were either killed or wounded by Colonel Tarleton’s British Army, even though they waved the white flag of surrender. The ceremony was sponsored by the South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution. Members of the SAR, DAR, CAR, and SR societies as well as the Sun City Motorcycle Club, Buford High School Jr. R.O.T.C., and residents—some of whose ancestors who fought in this battle are buried there. Many compatriots wore period dresses or Continental or Militia uniforms. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. officers of each organization participated in the formal wreath-laying ceremony. One by one, each person silently walked to the grave site, and either bowed or curtseyed between armed guards who were standing at attention in front of the monument. The wreath for the EHJ chapter was placed at the monument which is a mass burial grave of Revolutionary War soldiers, by Regent Pat Donatelli. Our chapter wreath was donated by the Chapter Regent, on which Cindy Bennett displayed our chapter name. Moving speeches were made and the entire experience was meaningful and memorable. A man and woman appeared nearby on the road driving a horse and buggy. Rifles fired skyward by military re-enactors echoed that fateful day 232 years ago. Total silence followed. We had a picnic lunch at the site at about 12:30 p.m. following the program. As we drove home, we felt a little heavy-hearted imagining what took place there, but were grateful for those brave patriots for the sacrifices they made so that we might know independence and freedom." (Wording from Elizabeth Hutchinson Chapter, NSDAR Historic Property form.)

Form Submitted By: Elizabeth Hutchinson Chapter, NSDAR 09/26/2012