Program honoring Elijah Clark to be held at park Feb. 14

Paul Prescott, commander of the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Color Guard, plays Taps at last year’s “Heroes of Hornets’ Nest Ceremony” at Elijah Clark State Park. Elijah Clark State Park will host a special program honoring General Elijah Clark at 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 14.

The “Heroes of Hornets’ Nest Ceremony” is being held in conjunction with ceremonies commemorating the 231st anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Creek in Wilkes County.

Among those scheduled to speak at Elijah Clark State Park is Dr. Christine Swager, the author of “Heroes of Kettle Creek 1779-1782” and other books on the Revolutionary War. The retired professor taught in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina.

Along with Dr. Swager, the program will also feature greetings from representatives of various historic preservation groups, patriotic music, wreath presentations, a musket salute, and individuals wearing Continental Army and Georgia Militia attire.

Following the ceremony, there will be an open house at the Elijah Clark Museum, living history demonstrations, and refreshments, including wassail, venison stew, bread, spice cake, and hot chocolate. The festivities are scheduled to conclude at 2 p.m.

The public is cordially invited to attend the observance.

Moreover, visitors are reminded that all Georgia parks charge a $5 entrance fee.

The Heroes of Hornets’ Nest Ceremony is being sponsored by Elijah Clark State Park; the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR); the Washington-Wilkes Chapter of the Georgia Society SAR; and the Elijah Clark Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).