Despite the rain, a patriotic crowd appeared at Andersonville cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 11.
The Sashabaw Plains Chapter, Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) held a grave-marking ceremony to honor Revolutionary War Patriot Private Caleb Pratt.
‘I have traced the Pratt family only as far as grandchildren, so there are no known living decendants at this time,? said Charlotte Cooper, second vice regent of the Sashabaw Plains Chapter. ‘However, even though not related by lineage, everyone can be considered decendants of all Revolutionary patriots, as we live a wonderfully free and lawful nation because of them.?
Pratt was born in Massachusetts in 1760 and entered the Revolutionary war at age 16, serving many times with the Vermont Militia. He fought in the victorious battles of Bennington and Hubbardton.
After the war, he settled in New York where he married and had three children. Pratt died in 1843 at the Springfield Township home of his son, John Pratt.
Over the eight years of war, an estimated 250,00 men served as regulars or as militiamen.
The ceremony also included bugle calls: Assembly/ To the Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, Trumpet solo, sword salute, folding and presentation of flag, reception of flag, ?21? Gun Salute, and the playing of Taps.
Sept. 11 also marks the beginning of Patriot Week, Sept. 11-17, which was framed by Judge Michael Warren and his daughter Leah in 2009, was recognized by the Michigan State Senate to America, its first principles, key historical figures, and symbols of its history.
Warren said marking gravesites is a ‘humbling experience?
‘Too often we take for granted the sacrifices our Founding Generation made to provide us the blessings of liberity,? Warren said. ‘Not only should we express our thanks to these brave Patriots, but we should work extremely hard today to preserve the freedom they gave us.?