On Thursday, January 29th, West Fannin fourth graders had the pleasure of meeting General George Washington (Mr. David Cook) and one of his militiamen (Mr. Sid Turner). Dressed in authentic uniforms from the American Revolution, these men are members of the Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.During their visit, Mr. Cook, the chapter’s president, Mr. Turner, vice-president, and Mr. Wayne Elliot, member and photographer for the chapter, brought a “traveling trunk” full of artifacts and relics from the colonial and revolutionary war periods. Students were shown clothing, tools, food, household goods, currency (both Wampum and coins), toys and games from the 16 and 1700’s. Mr. Turner demonstrated how the colonists would have started a fire, using a “nest” of dry materials including straw, pieces of flint, and charred cloth. The men shared historical information that supported our “Forming a New Nation” unit. Students were then allowed to take a closer look and touch some of the artifacts.

The Sons of the American Revolution is the leading male lineage society that perpetuates the ideals of the war for independence. As a historical, educational, and patriotic, non-profit corporation, they seek to maintain and expand the meaning of patriotism, respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship, and the unifying force of “e pluribus unum” that was created from the people of many nations — one nation and one people. The Sons of the American Revolution also sponsor a yearly poster contest for fourth graders with themes including events and people from the Revolutionary War. Many thanks go to Mr. Cook, Mr. Turner and Mr. Elliot for sharing with our 4th graders these historical artifacts and knowledge concerning the American Revolution.

Written by one of our fourth grade teachers and submitted by Amber Mitchell
Parent Liaison, West Fannin Elementary School