[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 28, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S6612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE 230TH ``CAROLINA DAY''

  Mr. DeMINT. Mr. President, June 28 is a great day in the history of 
my State of South Carolina and in the formation of our great Nation. 
You see, it is on this date that we celebrate Carolina Day.
  Two hundred and thirty years ago today, a small but determined group 
of fewer than 1,200 South Carolina patriots held off a British force 
that was more than twice their size.
  The battle--which took place on Sullivan's Island, just outside the 
entrance to Charleston Harbor--became the first major American victory 
of the Revolutionary War.
  Colonel William Moultrie, who commanded the colonist troops, had few 
resources at his disposal. So, he built a fort out of palmetto logs--a 
plentiful local resource.
  Facing such make-shift opposition, the British commanders thought 
they would easily sweep into Charleston.
  But these amazing palmetto logs actually absorbed the impact of the 
British cannonballs. This strengthened the American defense and gave 
the brave colonists a critical advantage.
  The British were soundly defeated in a long, nine-hour battle. More 
than 200 of the British were killed or wounded, compared to only 35 of 
Colonel Moultrie's command.
  Many historians consider this battle to be one of the greatest 
defeats in the entire history of the British navy.
  Many South Carolina heroes were made on that day.
  One such, hero, Sergeant William Jasper, is recognized for saving the 
regiment's flag after it was shot down by British fire. Seeing that it 
had been hit, Jasper exclaimed, ``Colonel, don't let us fight without 
our flag!''
  Sergeant Jasper then jumped into the face of enemy fire, walked the 
entire length of the fort--in full view of the British and cut the flag 
from its broken pole. He then added a new staff and replanted the flag 
back on the fort wall. Turning to the enemy, he gave three cheers and 
returned to his gun.
  That flag--a blue banner with a white crescent--represented the dream 
of real freedom to these patriots. And today, that historic banner 
still serves as a source of pride and inspiration, as part of South 
Carolina's official State seal.
  The blue background and white crescent also serve as the basis of our 
beautiful State flag, which incorporates a tall, proud palmetto tree . 
. . in recognition of the heroes of Fort Moultrie.
  The resounding American defense of the City of Charleston at Fort 
Moultrie gave our fledgling Nation hope in the possibility of ultimate 
victory. And less than one week later--on July 4, 1776--the Continental 
Congress forever changed the course of history, signing our Declaration 
of Independence.
  This story has profound relevance to what we face today as we fight 
the global war on terror. I can imagine those great patriots felt the 
same kind of joy that is plainly visible in the eyes of Iraqi citizens 
. . . people who are only now beginning to share in the sweet taste of 
freedoms that we so often take for granted.
  Mr. President, as we celebrate Independence Day with friends and 
family, may we always remember the price that was paid for our freedom.
  And may we resolve that the sacrifice of our brave soldiers across 
the years--from Fort Moultrie, SC, to Kirkuk, Iraq--will never have 
been in vain.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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