Greensboro, NC (July 30, 2013)– On August 10, the community is invited to celebrate the birthday of Major General Nathanael Greene on the battlefield that changed the course of the American Revolutionary War. More than 230 years ago, Major General Nathanael Greene’s American army weakened the British forces so badly that the British decided to steer towards Virginia rather than trying to overtake North Carolina. This move would lead to the ultimate British surrender and end of the American Revolutionary War six months later at Yorktown, VA. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, right here in Greensboro, was the site of that turnaround.
Born on August 7 in 1742, Nathanael Greene would grow up to be a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. When the war began, Greene was a militia private, the lowest rank possible. By the war’s end, he emerged with a reputation as Washington’s most exceptional and steadfast officer. He also was the only general, other than Washington and Henry Knox, to serve the entire eight years of the war. Several places in the U.S. are named after him, most notably, the city of Greensboro. In addition, parks, sea vessels and more than a dozen memorials have been erected in his honor.
Major General Nathanael Greene’s birthday celebration will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 10 at 2332 New Garden Road in Greensboro near the General Greene sculpture. The event is free and open to the public. Festivities will kick off at 1:30 p.m. with the Guilford Courthouse Fife and Drum Corps, and culminate with the Carolina Colonial Dancers. Attendees will even get the chance to sing Happy Birthday as the general and his wife make their appearance shortly after the event’s start. Cake and lemonade will also be served.
The birthday celebration is sponsored by Guilford Battleground Company, the nonprofit partner of the park, and supported by Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution and Bouvier Kelly.
The event will end by 4 p.m., however, a lot of other activities are happening at the park throughout the day and every other day from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Discover all of the things to see and do no matter how much time you want to spend at www.GuilfordBattlegroundCompany.org.
See complete schedule here:
1:30 p.m.
Color Guard – Sons of the American Revolution
Colonial Fife and Drum Corps
Welcome from National Park Service and others
2:00 p.m.
Meet General Greene and his wife Caty
Children’s Choir
Sing Happy Birthday to the General
2:30 p.m.
Cake and lemonade served by Daughters of the American Revolution
3:00 p.m.
Colonial Dancers
3:30 p.m.
Event end
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About Guilford Battleground Company
The Guilford Battleground Company’s mission is to support the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park by preservation, protection and educational efforts and projects that enhance the visitor experience.
