Statia Day — 250th anniversary commemoration

NEW BERN, N.C.: The Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter, NSDAR, and the New Bern Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invite the public to a free Statia Day celebration on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Union Point Park. The event will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first salute to the American flag by a foreign authority and will feature live cannon fire from a U.S. Coast Guard vessel and a Revolutionary War musket demonstration.

On November 16, 1776, the American brig Andrew Doria entered the harbor of St. Eustatius, a Dutch Caribbean island known as Statia. When the American vessel fired a salute, Fort Oranje returned the salute with cannon fire. Widely regarded as the first acknowledgment of the American flag by a foreign authority, this historic exchange marked a symbolic milestone in America's struggle for independence.

The Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter, NSDAR, and the New Bern Chapter SAR are joining forces to recreate the sights and sounds of that historic occasion. A live cannon firing from a U.S. Coast Guard vessel on the Neuse River will highlight the commemoration, accompanied by a Revolutionary War musket demonstration by the SAR musket team.

The waterfront celebration gives residents and visitors a chance to experience an important chapter of American history during the nation's 250th anniversary year.

"Statia Day reminds us that America's independence was not achieved in isolation," said Tammy Gillette, Regent of the Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter, NSDAR. "As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, we are delighted to bring this remarkable moment in history to life and invite the entire community to share in the experience." Date: Monday, November 16, 2026 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Union Point Park, New Bern, North Carolina Admission: FREE — Open to the Public Hosted by: Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter, NSDAR, and New Bern Chapter SAR

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