On Saturday, May 2, the Old Unicoi Trail Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered at the Historic Union County Courthouse to unveil and dedicate an “America 250!” Patriot Marker.
The dedication was in line with the congressionally established U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission’s theme for the year to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and honor those who helped win the nation’s independence.
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America will officially turn 250 on July 4, 2026. Placing the marker now is a fitting way to recognize the sacrifices and commitment of those who believed in liberty and shaped this country’s values.
The gathering opened with a warm welcome from Chapter Regent Barbara Weaver, followed by an invocation led by Recording Secretary Pam Matthews.
Next up was the Presentation of Colors. It is worth noting that the Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter Sons of the American Revolution presented the colors with precision and dedication.
Then, Annette Hopgood, Parliamentarian, invited everyone to join her in reciting the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States.
Blairsville Mayor Robert “Buddy” Moore and Union County Sole Commissioner Harold Collins warmly welcomed everyone to the event.
Cindy Rafter, who serves as Historian Chair for the Old Unicoi Trail Chapter, delivered a moving 250! Proclamation, offering attendees both inspiration and valuable historical insight.
Rafter noted that this year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – a pivotal moment that gave birth to the nation and forever changed the course of its history. She went on to discuss some of the events leading up to the Declaration.
When the Declaration was signed, the Revolutionary War had already been raging for more than a year, sparked by the battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. The colonies, denied representation in British Parliament, found themselves treated as second-class citizens – hence the rallying cry, “No taxation without representation.”
Rafter emphasized how the lack of representation and the subsequent tax protests, like the Boston Tea Party, led Parliament to punish the colonies – actions that pushed colonial leaders to convene the First Continental Congress.
The First Continental Congress set the stage, and the Second quickly took action, forming a team to draft the Declaration that would change history.
Rafter shared a powerful line from the Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America, quoting the words of Founding Father Thomas Jefferson that captures the revolutionary spirit and American ideals.
“When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
After Rafter’s address, a wreath ceremony was held, featuring patriotic arrangements in red, white, and blue. The event honored the Captain James Kell Chapter, NSDAR; Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter, SAR; and Old Unicoi Trail Chapter, NSDAR.
Lastly, the America 250! Patriot Marker was officially dedicated, unveiled as a distinguished new plaque adorning the exterior of the Historic Courthouse. The closing ceremony featured a polished retiring of the Colors, Musket Salute, and a benediction by Rafter.
