2020 Last Naval Battle Ceremony

Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution

Last Naval Battle of the Revolution: On March 10, 1783, Captain John Barry, of the USS Alliance, and Captain John Green, of the USS Duc de Lauzun encountered the British ships HSS Alarm, HSS Sybil, and HSS Tobago off Cape Canaveral. The 2 US ships were carrying over 72,000 Spanish silver dollars destined for the Continental Army. After a cannon fire fight between the USS Alliance and the HSS Sybil, which the HSS Sybil became severely damaged, the US ships met up and transferred all the silver to the USS Alliance. USS Alliance made port in Newport, RI on March 20th and delivered its precious cargo to the Continental Army.

In commemoration, at the Veteran’s Memorial Center, Merritt Island the Brevard Chapter will be hosting Last Naval Battle of American Revolution ceremony. NSSAR President General Jack Manning will be the guest speaker.

The Withlacoochee Color Guard was present for the event that was on March 7th at Veterans Memorial Center - 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32952

Captain John Barry

The Last Naval Battle Of The American Revolutionary War historical marker located just Northeast of the Veteran's Memorial Center

237th Anniversary of the Last Naval Battle of the Revolutionary War Program

President General John Manning and Color Guard Commander Russ Gibson, both Massachusetts natives

Start of Parade of Flags - US Coast Guard

Charlie Day (white pants) carrying the Betsy Ross Flag

Withlacoochee Color Guard Commander Russ Gibson (left) with the Grand Union Flag and Charlie Day with the Betsy Ross Flag

Navy Captain Benjamin Shupp (prior Commander of the USS West Virginia) giving the Last Naval Battle history

Florida Society SAR Color Guard marching as a group led by FLSSAR Color Guard Commander Dick Young

President General John T. Manning giving the keynote speech

Withlacoochee Color Guard Commander Russ Gibson paying respects to wreaths laced along wall for departed compatriots

(Left to Right) Charlie Day past FLSSAR Color Guard Commander, Lindsey Brock past President General, Dick Young FLSSAR Color Guard Commander and Withlacoochee Color Guard Commander Russ Gibson

(Left to Right) Brevard Chapter SAR President Roger Bonnett, Charlie Day, Lindsey Brock past President General, Dick Young FLSSAR Color Guard Commander and Withlacoochee Color Guard Commander Russ Gibson

Decorated cake served after the ceremony