Photo: Suzanne Richter, right, listens as Curt Barrett and Jan Mitchell present information on Revolutionary War soldier John Babb. Shannon McFarlin photo.
By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A large gathering was on hand for the unveiling of the Patriots Monument honoring Revolutionary War veterans who lived in Henry County or owned land here. The names of 46 veterans are etched in the monument, which was built by Henry County Monument Works for the Paris-Henry County Bicentennial Committee and the John Babb Chapter of the DAR.
In her welcoming remarks, DAR Regent Suzanne Richter of Paris noted a number are buried here also–both in marked and unmarked graves.
The Monument, she said, is the “final gift from the Bicentennial Committee” and provides a permanent symbol of the men who served.
The stories of the Patriots were told by Caleb Grissom, who spoke of Williams Young; David Webb, who spoke of James Lawson and Jan Mitchell, Curt Barrett and Richter, who talked of John Babb. Barrett said, “He’s the reason we are here and I hope our grandkids see his name on the monument and are proud.”
The unveiling itself was performed by Lawson Webb, who is named for James Lawson, one of those who names are etched on the monument and is the son of Darren and Cheryl Webb, and his grandmothers,Janice Webb and Geraldine Sykes.
Bicentennial Committee Chair Carl Holder introduced members of the Bicentennial Committee. Jackie Jones and Linda Foulks read the names that are etched on the monument, Jason McCord presented the colors, William Elliott of the Sons of the American Revolution gave the prayer and Deborah Mell sang patriotic songs.