Swamp Fox Honored Today
Brig. Gen. Francis Marion, Huguenot descendant and Revolutionary War patriot, honored with annual ceremony at Belle Isle.
Wreath placed in honor of Marion
A moss wreath with yellow lilies and a blue bow with a small fox nested inside was presented by the Society.
The annual Francis Marion Memorial Service was held today at Belle Isle at the site of Marion’s tomb upon the 229th anniversary of his death. The service was provided by the Gen. Marion’s Brigade Chapter, NSDAR and the Hezekiah Maham Chapter, NSSAR. The program began with a memorial flyover by 157th Fighter Squadron from McEntire JNGB which received a round of applause from the attendees. The flyover was followed by the presentation of colors by the Washington Light Infantry.
Elizabeth Kornhoff, Regent, Gen. Marion’s Brigade Chapter, NSDAR lead the opening rituals and invited each organization to come forward to install their wreath. Representing the Society were Jack Williams, Vice President; Renée Marshall, Director of Genealogy and Research; and Elizabeth F. Gay, Executive Director. Mr. Williams placed a lovely moss wreath with yellow lilies and a blue bow, inside which was tucked a small brown fox. The wreath was donated by two members of the Society who directly descend from Benjamin Marion (grandfather to Francis) Mrs. Frances Gay Westbrook and her sister, our Director, Miss Gay.
Regent Kornhoff then introduced the keynote speaker, U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Thorne, representing the SCANG 169th Fighter Wing, who has 25 years experience flying F16s. Col. Thorne thanked the attendees on behalf of his family for “honoring our patriots” and continued in his description of Marion to describe his ability to “inflict incalculable harm on the enemy.” Thorne concluded his remarks with a remembrance that “Francis Marion was a servant leader” and noted where he had signed a letter to Gates as “your servant and his servant leadership has taught us to this day to be useful in your time.” He ended with a plea to “make sure the freedoms pass on the next generation.”
Dr. Richard Porcher, Renée Marshall and Jack Williams.
The ceremony concluded with the retiring of the colors by the Washington Light Infantry.
Many attendees then proceeded to the Belle Isle Presbyterian Church for a delicious luncheon graciously provided by the church. “There were many Society members in attendance and while I could not spend time with everyone, I did visit with Elizabeth Britton, David DuBose, Meri DuPré, Keith Gourdin and Dr. Richard Porcher. We all so enjoyed the ceremony and the luncheon. It reminded us all of the picnics and get togethers we used to enjoy when our parents would bring us up to ramble through Berkeley. The delicious BBQ and fellowship is very familiar to Huguenot descendants who have shared these types of events for generations. This is one reason I am so excited about the Berkeley Ramble the Society has planned for April 13th as it will be an opportunity for us to revisit our history with friends and family,” Ms. Gay said.