Derden Speaks to Four Rivers
The Four Rivers Chapter, Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution held its monthly meeting on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Chatters Restaurant in Lyons at 6:30 p.m. With President George E. King presiding, there were 10 members in attendance. King opened the meeting by asking Chaplain Emory Fennell to say the invocation and to lead the group in the Pledge to the U.S. Flag and the pledge to the SAR.
A meal was served, and Dual Member Dess Smith III made a special presentation to the Chapter. Smith presented King with the 'Come and Take It' streamer from the event at Fort Morris in Sunbury, GA, held on November 20, 2021, where Dual Member Wilder Smith, Jr., presented the Four Rivers wreath to honor those brave Americans who died there. Smith also presented King with the '243rd Anniversary Celebration of the Battle at Brier Creek' streamer that Member Dess Smith III presented a wreath for the Four Rivers Chapter on March 5, 2022. Smith introduced the speaker for the evening, Dr. John Derden, a member of the Wiregrass Chapter in Swainsboro and a member of the Brier Creek Revolutionary War Battlefield Association, Inc. Derden’s presentation was on General John Ashe, Commander of the American Forces at the Battle at Brier Creek, held on March 3, 1779, in Screven County, GA. Derden talked about the days leading up to the battle, the actual battle and events taking place after the battle, including personal letters written the night after the battle by American leaders and British leaders.
The meeting ended with the SAR processional and a prayer by Chaplain Emory Fennell. The next meeting will be held on April 21, 2022, at Chatters Restaurant at 6:30.
Anyone who would like to become a member of the chapter may contact Registrar Dean Mills at 912-537-4621 or e-mail him at ugaclassof1966@ yahoo.com.
Dr. John Derden presenting his program.
