A Sons of the American Revolution member places a wreath at a memorial on Oct. 20 to honor the 14 Continental Army soldiers killed during the Battle of Fort Mercer.
There was excitement in the air walking up the road to the Whitall House Museum on the banks of the Delaware River for the thousands of people who attended numerous Field Day events over six hours on the beautiful morning and afternoon of Oct. 20.
Turning left into the Red Bank Battlefield Park, children got friendly with animals in the petting zoo, went through a straw bale maze and looked at goods offered by craft vendors. At the performance tent, Ned Hector gave a dramatic presentation about the many contributions of African Americans during the nation’s fight for independence, including those in the First Rhode Island and Second Rhode Island regiments.
Heading back up the hill toward the battlefield, families listened to a band in period clothing play rebel songs from the 1700s and saw Continental Army and Hessian camps sites with reenactors in full uniform to experience what a soldier’s life was like during the Revolutionary War.
A crowd favorite on Field Day were the two reenactments of the Battle of Red Bank. But the most poignant and emotional event of the day might have been was the Recognition and Memorial Service at the Col. Greene Monument honoring the 14 Continental Army soldiers killed during the battle on Oct. 22, 1777, as well as the many Hessians among 377 who were reported dead or wounded.
The service began with Donna Harrington singing the national anthem, followed by remarks by Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) President Robert Meyer.
“Thanks to all of you for coming out today to honor the sacrifice of these men,” he said.
Regent Diane Bacher of the Red Bank chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) also thanked everyone for attending and marking what happened on that day 247 years ago.
“Good afternoon everyone. Today we honor all of the dead from this battle,” noted Jennifer Janofsky, curator and director of the Red Bank Battlefield Park. She and archaeologist Wade P. Catts were the leaders of the public participation dig in 2022, when the remains of some Hessians were discovered. After several more digs, the remains of 17 soldiers followed.
Several teeth have been sent to the University of Georgia for DNA analysis, according to Janofsky, who is also a professor of history at Rowan University. “This is truly a labor of love.”
SAR South Jersey President Jim Howard gave a brief history of the Battle of Red Bank, which he called a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War, a major victory that showed Spain and France that American independence was not a lost cause. Wreaths were then placed at the Greene monument in memory of those lost from the Rhode Island regiments, as well as the Hessians.
SAR Chancellor Robert Harrington then solemnly recited the names of the Continental Army who died in the battle: Sgt. George Babcock, Pvt. William Kirk, Pvt. William Sharper, Pvt. William Tayler, Sgt. John Gould, Pvt. John Brown Fifer Major Elnathan Newman of the First Rhode Island regiment, Sgt. Nath Stoddard, Pvt. Stephen Luther, Pvt. Asa Potter, Pvt. Johnathan Bidgood, Sgt. Eleazer Wescott, Capt. Silvanus Shaw and Sgt. William Everton of the Second Rhode Island regiment.
After the memorial service, there was a discovery tour for people interested in how the Hessian remains were found. Next up was an officers’ duel followed by the popular reenactment of the battle performed by more than 100 people dressed in military uniforms of the time. They included Matthew Carpenter; his son, Joe; Dan Angelino; and Glen Brosius of the 43rd of Foot, Second PA artillery regiment
