By PHOEBE ROBINSON / Special to the Reporter

MONTEVALLO – Liberty Hall at American Village was filled with approximately 200 people celebrating Alabama 200 David Lindsay Day on Sept. 9. The event was chaired by David Lindsay Chapter Audra White of the Daughters of the American Revolution who is also his fifth great-granddaughter. The event culminated the renovation and marking of the David Lindsay Historical Cemetery, located on Highway 17 in Maylene.

Sept. 9, 2018 was declared by proclamation to be David Lindsay Day by Gov. Kay Ivey. White read the governor’s proclamation which honored the Revolutionary War patriot who served in the Washington County, Pennsylvania militia. Lindsay and wife Mary traveled with their family to settle in Alabama before 1816, one of the earliest families in the state. They moved to Shelby County and are recorded in the 1820 census. Many descendants attended the celebration.

The event began with a patriotic hand-bell song played by Jane Bland Society, Children of the America Revolution led by Beth Stewart. Eagle Scout Caleb Jones who renovated the cemetery with a new fence led the presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 532 Color Guard. Alabama Mission LDS Counselor Clem Muck gave the invocation followed by the DAR ritual led by White and the Pledge of Allegiance by Cahaba-Coosa Chapter President Bruce Kilgore of the Sons of American Revolution. Rob Robinson sang the National Anthem, and later a patriotic medley.

Greetings were given by American Village Founder and CEO Tom Walker, Alabama Society DAR Regent Tammy Clemons, Alabama Society SAR Vice President Edmon McKinley, Jane Bland Society, CAR President Delany Tinsley, and Alabama Bicentennial Ambassador Bobby Joe Seales. Seales presented the first ever commendation from the Alabama Bicentennial Commission to David Lindsay Day.

David Lindsay Day was honored with more proclamations. Sen. Cam Ward, Rep. Matt Fridy and Rep. April Weaver, who is also a Lindsay descendant, presented a proclamation from the Alabama Legislature. Montevallo Mayor Hollie Cost and Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon presented their proclamations.

White gave the keynote speech telling of Lindsay and his life. The event concluded with the presentations of wreathes by DAR, SAR and CAR and Taps sung by Robinson.  A reception followed and picture of all descendants in attendance.