DAR to honor chapter patriot with Memorial Day ceremony May 27

The Col. David Hall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold a grave marking and wreath laying ceremony for the chapter's patriot, Col. David Hall, to mark Memorial Day at 10 a.m., Monday, May 27. The event will take place at the Lewes Presbyterian Church cemetery.

This service is to honor Hall as well as all the soldiers who have sacrificed on behalf of their country. The Revolutionary War Soldier Marker has been approved by the DAR Office of the Historian General.

Hall was born in Sussex County in 1752. When the Continental Congress called for Delaware troops, he enlisted as a private, but soon became a captain in Col. Haslett's Regiment. Hall took over the regiment when Haslett was killed in the Battle of Princeton. He was a natural leader and became a colonel April 5, 1777.

Hall and his troops were known as the Delaware line and the Flower of the Revolutionary Army. The colonel was wounded in the Battle of Brandywine, but remained with his troops. After the war he resumed his law practice and became governor of Delaware in 1805. He died Sept. 18, 1817, in Lewes and was buried in the Lewes Presbyterian Church graveyard.

Dignitaries expected to speak at this ceremony include Lewes Mayor James Ford; state Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown; and state Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes. Distinguished guests attending will include Vice President General Ginger Trader, NSDAR; Marjorie Frampton, state regent of Delaware; George Jones, state president, Sons of the American Revolution; Troy Foxwell, state CAR; and members of Lewes City Council. The Cape Henlopen High School Color Guard will present the colors.