RAIN COULDN’T KEEP US AWAY

More than 30 people came to celebrate Flag Day with the Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman Chapter at the Huntington Burial Grounds on a rainy Saturday, June 12. 

Regent Barbara Wells welcomed everyone to this DAR event and, after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, singing God Bless America and the National Anthem, Veterans Chairperson Judy Savary told the group about those Patriots here at the Huntington Burial Grounds. 

The 42 Patriots at this cemetery were mostly farmers who stopped their work and took up arms when the British landed in New Haven, Fairfield, and Danbury. 

They served under Capt. Birdseye, Capt. Tomlinson, Col. Whiting and Gen. Silliman. 

Ms. Savary also told the group that names we recognize today – Hawley, Nichols, Leavenworth – were living during those momentous years and are buried here. The DAR chapter also highlighted the newest Patriot, Enoch Buckingham, who pledged allegiance to the State in 1778 along with many of his neighbors. Three of Enoch Buckingham’s descendants were present and placed the flag at his gravestone. 

After the ceremony, those gathered took flags and placed them by the graves of the 42 Revolutionary Patriots.

The DAR perpetuates the memory and spirit of the men and women who won American independence. The group also helps maintain historic state properties. 

Any woman over 18 who can prove an ancestor served in the American Revolution is a prospective member. 

For more information on the DAR go online at http://www.sarahriggshumphreysDAR.org or call Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman Chapter Regent Barbara Wells at 203 – 550-9643. 

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