Revolutionary War Patriots remembered in Sharpsburg
Some say the further one gets away from history, the more history gets away from them; and some, I suspect, seem to choose to forget history altogether.
But on Saturday, April 20, history was front and center at the Sharpsburg square as the Antietam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) revealed a plaque in honor of those "Revolutionary War Patriots" of yesterday.
DAR member RuAnn Newcomber invited me to the ceremony in Sharpsburg. Members of the DAR are "active women who are passionate about community service, preserving history, educating children and honoring those who serve our nation.
The Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775 (the shot heard around the world!) and ended Sept. 3, 1783.
Do you remember some of those patriots from your history class?
“Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.” — Captain John Parker;
“What a glorious morning for America!” — Samuel Adams on hearing of the battle of Lexington, 1775;
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“I have not yet begun to fight” — John Paul Jones;
“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” — William Prescott/Bunker Hill;
“Give me liberty or give me death” — Patrick Henry;
“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” — Benjamin Franklin
“Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.” — George Washington
“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” — Thomas Paine
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On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence drafted by five men. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the primary writer, were members of this group; Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman were the other two.
Regent Linda Mathews of the DAR conducted the ceremony and noted that Sharpsburg was where the 1970 Antietam DAR chapter was chartered.
This event dedicated a plaque at the square of Sharpsburg to honor those "Revolutionary War Patriots" and to prepare for our nation’s 250th birthday in year 2026.
Mayor Russ Weaver greeted those gathered at the Sharpsburg town square, and it was noted that the town was the oldest in the county.
Russ thanked all in attendance and recognized Commissioner John Barr and Jeff Cline; I sat next to Linda Irvin-Craig who was the first female elected as Washington County Commissioner and served from 1984-86. Linda, too, has a strong lineage of ancestors who once resided in Sharpsburg.
Mayor Weaver asked those present to imagine they were a time-traveler and were standing at this square in 1776 and able to watch the evolution of this town.
"It would become a place where you could achieve a sense of purpose that comes from being rooted within family, community, churches, schools, voluntary organizations and country."
"This connectedness or association along with the vote providing the very best ingredients for a strong nation."
As a result of the mayor’s comments, and dedication of this DAR plaque, it seemed quite obvious that those Revolutionary patriots paved the roads of freedom with their sacrifices and blood.
The mayor also recognized the important contribution of town resident Patty Hammond for spearheading this project and securing donations to have this plaque placed at the square in Sharpsburg; those untiring efforts of Patty and DAR have left a noble monument to remind all of the cost of their liberty.
Commissioner John Barr also presented the Antietam Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Mayor Russ Weaver with a "Resolution of Appreciation" for placing this 250 marker at the town square. This gift recognizes the many contributions of those men and women who fought bravely to establish our American independence and our liberty.
The plaque reads:
"Revolutionary War Patriots
This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American Independence.
These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation.
1775 – 1783"
Regent Vickie Marschner and the Conococheague Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution also placed a Patriot monument at the Peter Sailor house (1790) at Kiwanis Park in Hagerstown on Friday, April 19.
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In 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked about the country’s new form of government; his response was “A republic, if you can keep it.” Franklin insinuated that democratic republics are dependent on the people’s involvement and support.
I lift a glass to 2026 and 250 years; may that support still be alive and well.
As we near this country’s 250th birthday in 2026, let us ponder Franklin’s question, and give thanks to those Patriots who brought liberty to our land.
Pete Waters is a Sharpsburg resident who writes for The Herald-Mail.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Revolutionary War Patriots remembered in Sharpsburg
