Wilmington Honors Rhode Island Regiment and British Officers

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Honoring 28 Rhode Island Regiment Soldiers in Wilmington

Twenty-eight soldiers from the Rhode Island Regiment, half of them African American, now have a dedicated memorial at the Wilmington & Brandywine Cemetery in Wilmington, Delaware. The site marks the final resting place of these men, who share the mass grave with five British officers. The Delaware Society Sons of the American Revolution recently hosted a ceremony to unveil the monument, providing a permanent acknowledgement of their service.

The dedication ceremony featured a keynote address by Wilmington Mayor John Carney. The event included commemorative remarks from Gregg Armore, Secretary of State for Rhode Island, and Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez, Secretary of State for Delaware. Colonel Thomas Archer-Burton, Military Attache to the United States from the United Kingdom, also spoke, highlighting the international historical connection at the site.

A Descendant’s Presence at the Graveside

The significance of the memorial was underscored by the attendance of Jason Roomes, a member of the 6th Regiment United States Colored Troops. Roomes is a direct descendant of Caesar Rose, one of the Rhode Island Regiment soldiers buried in the mass grave. His presence bridged the gap between the Revolutionary War era and the modern military tradition.

The formal proceedings included a reading of the names of the Rhode Island Regiment soldiers by SAR President General Allen Greenly and DAR Delaware State Regent Carolyn Foxwell. The City of Wilmington Police Color Guard and the Delaware State Police Bagpipes led the procession, creating a solemn atmosphere for the unveiling. Rev. Dr. Kirtley Yearwood of Trinity Episcopal Church provided the graveside prayer, followed by a musket salute performed by members of the Rhode Island Regiment and other participants. The event concluded with the dual playing of “Taps” and the British “Last Post.”

Historical Context and Public Recognition

The ceremony, which took place last week, drew significant attention, with reports appearing in local publications such as The News Journal. The story of the Rhode Island Regiment’s integrated ranks—comprised of 14 white and 14 African American soldiers—serves as a reminder of the complex demographics present during the American Revolution. The project to honor these men at the Wilmington & Brandywine Cemetery has garnered coverage from various national outlets, including the Smithsonian and Yahoo.

For those interested in the details of the ceremony, a PowerPoint presentation is available for review, offering a visual record of the event and the memorial itself. The dedication represents a collaborative effort to ensure that the soldiers, regardless of their background or the side they fought on, are recognized for their role in the history of the region.

Monument Unveiled for Rhode Island First Regiment and British Soldiers Buried Together in Wilmington

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