Community members, along with state and local dignitaries, gathered in Point Pleasant's Tue-Endie-Wei State Park on Thursday for the Battle Days Memorial Service. This year's service marked the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Point Pleasant, which some consider the first battle of the American Revolution. 

In October 1774, Native American tribes, led by Shawnee Chief Cornstalk, fought the Virginia militia, led by Col. Andrew Lewis. The battle took place along the Kanawha River at what is now Point Pleasant. After a long and violent clash, Cornstalk finally retreated.

Following the battle, the Virginians, and an additional force led by Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, traveled to the Ohio Valley and convinced Cornstalk to agree to a treaty.

Hosting the service on Thursday was Ed Cromley, president of the Point Pleasant Sons of the American Revolution and Battle Days committee member. The presentation of colors was given by the Combined Color Guard of the Sons of the American Revolution, commanded by Patrick Wesololsky. 

Representing Gov. Jim Justice was Randall Reid-Smith, cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Art, Culture and History, as well as the chairman of the state's committee to celebrate the country's semiquincentennial. 

"The most important battle ever fought in our state. This event isn't just a part of our history, it is a significant moment in the story of our nation," Reid-Smith said. 

Present for the service was Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, who spoke with reverence for the men who fought the battle, and the battle's pivotal role in our nation's history. 

"These were some of our earliest mountaineers. When we think, 'Where do we draw our strength and resilience from?,' we draw it from those who were camped along the side of the Kanawha River 250 years ago," Capito said. 

"We commemorate today the sacrifices that were made to build this great nation," Capito said. 

Capito thanked the local chapters of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution for upholding traditions and remembrance of history. 

Capito said she had met a man from Virginia prior to the service who traveled to Point Pleasant because he was the descendant of a man who fought in the battle. 

Capito honored Cromley with a certificate acknowledging all the work he has done as a Battle Days organizer and his diligence in carrying on the important history of the battle.

Representing the national SAR and DAR organizations at the service were Gen. Darryl Addington and Mindy Davis. 

Letters to honor the occasion were read from the offices of Gov. Justice, Sen. Joe Manchin and Congresswoman Carol Miller. 

Brooke Price performed  the song "Battle of Point Pleasant," which was written by local artist Jan Haddox. 

Reid-Smith presented Point Pleasant Mayor Amber Tatterson with a commemorative coin from the state marking the anniversary. Tatterson then returned the favor by giving him a coin commemorating the battle which was commissioned by the city. 

The DAR memorial address was given by Jane Larke. The SAR memorial address was provided by Ted Cox, who also recited the eulogy delivered by Col. Andrew Lewis for his brother, Col. Charles Lewis, who was killed in the battle. 

Cromley returned to the podium to announce those participating in the laying of the wreaths ceremony, which included descendants of those who fought in the battle. 

"The American's Creed" was recited by Rylan Price from the Fort Randolph Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution.

The final gun salute was commanded by Allan Phillips, vice president of the Colonel James Woods II Chapter of the Virginia Society SAR. 

Cannon fire was commanded by Randy McGill, treasurer for the Point Pleasant SAR. 

Local SAR Chaplain Jack Lee delivered the invocation and benediction. Local DAR Regent Colonel and Battle Days committee member Diane Cromley led the Pledge of Allegiance. The national anthem was performed by Reid-Smith.