Friends of Fort Griswold

P.O. Box 7032

Groton, CT 06340

Press Release

Oct. 22, 2008

November 9th Libation Memorial Ceremony

for Veterans at Fort Griswold

In recognition of Veteranʼs Day, on Sunday, November 9, at 1:00 P.M., the Friends of Fort Griswold will sponsor a traditional Libation Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony will be conducted by Sheldonʼs Horse, The Second Continental Light Dragoons at the City War Memorial in front of the Groton Monument , Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton . The Libation Memorial Ceremony dates back to the age of the Romans.  It is the pouring of a wine libation over the grave of a fallen warrior and asking him to drink in spirit with those present and serves as a link between the warrior and those present.  Veterans in attendance are invited to participate in the ceremony.

Members of Sheldonʼs Horse will be in full colonial military uniform, and accompanying women will be in period colonial attire. Sheldon's Horse, The Second Continental Light Dragoons is the first commissioned cavalry regiment of the United States , commissioned December 12, 1776, and is still classified as an active military unit. This unit served as the eyes of the Army during most of the American Revolution and formed the nucleus of Washington .

Members of Sheldonʼs Horse will be in full colonial military uniform, and accompanying women will be in period colonial attire.

Today this ceremony is conducted out of respect for those who have given so much so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have. The ceremony is used to remind us of the obligation to hold in respect and honor those who have defended this country so well in the past, and those defending it today.

The event is free, and the public is invited to attend. Veterans are encouraged to attend.