MARBLEHEAD — The resting place of Revolutionary War General John Glover at Old Burial Hill was lit up with rifle fire Saturday night by the Glover’s Marblehead Regiment.
In honor of the late general, 20 members of the regiment fired off rounds from their muskets while dressed in 18th century attire, creating a thunderous echo and sending smoke through the dark and cold graveyard.
“Thank you for your attendance to honor an American hero.” said Regiment Captain Seamus Daly to the crowd.
Daly, who has been a part of the group formed in 1974 to research Glover’s 14th Continental Regiment, has performed reenactments and tributes for 12 years and had never seen so many members come out for the event.
The night started at the Marblehead Old Town House at 1 Market Sq. where spectators and regiment members gathered at 5 p.m.
One spectator, Roy Frazel, who has lived in Marblehead for around a decade, has participated once before and loves the history around the event.
“One of these years I’m going to get a whole outfit, something that a common man would wear during the time,” he said.
“I love all the history surrounding Glover.”
Gen. Glover was a huge part of the turning point of the Revolutionary War. As a commander of the 14th Continental Regiment, he and his men successfully ferried George Washington and 2,400 men across the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776.
That was just one of several great accomplishments the general was a part of that the Glover’s Marblehead Regiment honors today.
“It’s a little nippy out but not the coldest we’ve marched in,” said member Wayne Arvidson, 57, of Marblehead. “It’s a lot of fun.”
From the Old Town House, they marched on Washington and Orne Street toward the Cemetery to drum beats.
Families gathered on porches and neighbors peeked out their windows, some pulling out their phones to take photos of the group.
“My favorite part is the march back, where things turn from a more somber tone to joyful,” Daly said.
And joyful it was with the regiment singing 18th century tunes along with drumming until they arrived at Gen. Glover’s original house on Glover Street.
From there the group performed another honorary round of rifle fire before departing to applause from some of those in the neighborhood.
