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Honoring Alabama's First Veteran: John Wade Keyes' Remarkable Legacy
Matthew Russell
Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks emphasized the importance of remembering our heritage and the sacrifices made for this great country and the freedoms it provides. With attendees, he paid tribute to those like Keyes who selflessly served in the military, protecting the values and principles we hold dear.
Photo: Adobe Stock / Janice BarchatJohn Wade Keyes enlisted in the first 10 rifle companies of the Continental Army in June 1775.
According to FindaGrave.com, John was a volunteer soldier from the Shenandoah Valley in the American Revolution under General John Thomas of Virginia. He fought in the battles of Bunker Hill, Trenton, White Plains, Princeton, Brandywine, and King's Mountain.
As the News Courier reports, researchers discovered that John Wade Keyes had enlisted in the first 10 rifle companies of the Continental Army in June 1775, making him Alabama's first U.S. military veteran. Among the 1,220 Revolutionary War Patriots associated with the state, Keyes stood out as the only individual whose service predated all others -- nearly 13 months before the Declaration of Independence was issued.
Photo: Adobe Stock / Zack FrankKeyes' enlistment predated all other Revolutionary War Patriots associated with Alabama.
The ceremony honoring Keyes' life took place on June 14th, a significant date in American history. Not only is it celebrated as the birthday of the U.S. Army, but it also marks the formation of the armed forces for the United States. On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution to create the first 10 rifle companies of the Continental Army, which would eventually evolve into the U.S. Army we know today.
Keyes served in Captain Hugh Stephenson's company, one of the two rifle companies formed in Virginia as a result of the Continental Congress resolution. After a brief training period, Keyes and his fellow soldiers embarked on a remarkable 600-mile march to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where they joined General George Washington, the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief. Legend has it that Washington shook the hand of every soldier who made that arduous march.
Photo: Adobe Stock / SharlottaULegend has it that Washington shook the hand of every soldier who made that arduous march.
To commemorate the remarkable life and service of Patriot Keyes, a new marker was unveiled at his gravesite. The John Wade Keyes Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and Senator Tom Butler presented a joint resolution from the state legislature, officially recognizing Keyes as a member of one of the nation's first rifle companies. The presence of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient (Ret.) Capt. Mike Rose and Keyes' descendant, Ann Vaughn Phillips, added a deeply personal touch to the ceremony.
Photo: Adobe Stock / AugustKeyes' legacy inspires us with his selfless dedication and unwavering patriotism.
Senator Tom Butler expressed his hope that future generations will continue to organize similar events, acknowledging the exceptional contributions of patriots like John Wade Keyes. Their courage and determination forever changed the world, creating a nation that embodies the ideals and values we hold dear.
The commemoration of John Wade Keyes serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our military veterans. It is through honoring their legacy that we can fully appreciate the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today. Let us never forget the remarkable individuals who, like Keyes, shaped the United States of America and continue to inspire us with their selfless dedication and unwavering patriotism.