April 19th marks a significant date in the founding of our nation. On April
19, 1775, British soldiers fired on
American
Patriots at
Lexington and Concord – “the shot heard ‘round the world” - the event acknowledged to be the
beginning of the Revolutionary War. Three years later on April 19, 1778, the
Georgia Continental Navy captured three British ships in the Frederica River
near St. Simons Island - a tremendous boost to
the morale of Georgians.
The Frederica Patriots Day Celebration on St. Simons Island, GA commemorates
these two Revolutionary War battles.
The Frederica Naval Action
put out of action two ships that had been interrupting trade by capturing
American merchant vessels off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. The
victory helped delay for over eight months a major move by the British to
capture Fort Morris and Sunbury. It was also an excellent demonstration of
just how effective heavily armed galleys could be in confined waters when
pitted against blue-water vessels. The tidal currents, lack of wind and
underwater shoals certainly affected the outcome, but credit must be given to
Colonel Samuel Elbert for his courage, tactics, determination, and quality of
his leadership as well as each of the officers and men who served under his
command.
Saturday- Parade of
Patriots & Colonial Festival- St. Simons Island Village
Parade includes Colonial personalities and children from St. Simons Schools,
Wax Museum of Revolutionary personalities, and Colonial games for children
and
demonstrations/exhibits for all ages.
Photos of Parade and Colonial Festival
Saturday - Patriotic
Memorial Ceremony - St. Simons Island Casino
GA Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard;
High School JROTC Unit; Patriotic Music featuring Student Chorus;
Musket Salutes and Wreath Presentations to honor Patriots of the American
Revolution.
Photos of Patriotic Memorial Ceremony
Sunday - Colonial Worship Service – St. Ignatius
This Chapel of Christ Church Frederica is a small wooden
church built in 1886
Worshippers dressed in Colonial and Revolutionary War attire will gather
with
the public for a unique service on Sunday morning.
Photos of Colonial Worship Service
Memorial Ceremony Programs & Newspaper Articles
