The annual Flag Raising Ceremony at Historic Brainerd Mission Cemetery was held Wednesday.
Those participating included the John Sevier Chapter Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution with the Daughters of the American Revolution Regents’ Council of Chattanooga (representing Chickamauga, Chief John Ross, Judge David Campbell, Moccasin Bend and Nancy Ward Chapters).
The John Sevier Chapter color guard, commanded by Sergeant at Arms Brian Frye and consisted of members Bryan Beck (president), Cliff Kent (1st vice president), Joel Davenport (2nd vice president) augmented by Dr. David Chaffin (TNSSAR recording secretary) retired the old colors and posted new color in honor of Flag Day during the annual ceremony.
Early Hamilton County resident and Patriot Robert Patterson aided the mission in its early organization by providing lumber from his saw mill. The current cemetery is all that remains of the Christian mission established in 1817. A detailed history can be found on the information board just inside the cemetery’s front entrance or online.
Members of the SAR and DAR chapters gather on the second Wednesday in June to conduct the Flag Raising Ceremony, honoring Flag Day and celebrating with those of Cherokee heritage the history of the “sacred acre".
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Richard Sneed, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Cherokee Nation and Eastern Band Flags also fly over Brainerd Mission Cemetery in honor of the Cherokee who were taught and buried at the mission.
Individuals or organizations interested in participating with the SAR in this patriotic program can contact the John Sevier Chapter at https://johnsevierchapter.org/home for more information.