Archive for February 4th, 2010

John Brown: Patriot or Terrorist -The Marines At Harpers Ferry

4th February

2010

written by Will

OK. I guess there is interest in the US Marine Corps Historical Company (USMCHC). I’ve been off the net a few days, but received comments on Facebook and by email.

John Brown - Patriot or Terrorist?

This year our largest combined program was a two-weekend, back-to-back set of events at Harpers Ferry. The first weekend was supporting the annual commemoration at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park of the famous John Brown Raid in mid-October 1859. We presented “At All Times Ready,” the Brown Raid “through the eyes of a Marine,” several times each day.

In this presentation we walk the audience, usually over a hundred visitors, through the raid. We explain what led to the Marines being called out from Washington, what they faced on arrival, the Marine assault on the engine house (Perhaps the first hostage rescue operation-and a complete success), the capture of Brown, freeing of the hostages, and the aftermath. We use Park volunteers in period dress, and even some of the unsuspecting audience, as hostages, and some of our friends from “Sykes Regulars,” who volunteer in the Park, as the raiders. The Marines, of course, are portrayed by Marines.

The audience is left to decide for themselves if John Brown is a “patriot,” in the anti-slavery movement, or, regardless of his motives, and based on his raid, his kidnapping of citizens, and the murdering of innocent civilians – a “domestic terrorist.” I think you can guess where the Marines might fall on this issue.

The following weekend at the Park was dedicated solely to the US Marine Corps, in memory of Private Luke Quinn, the Marine who was killed during the raid. After a year of planning, with the US Marine Corps, the USMCHC, and the Harpers Ferry NHP entering into a mutually supportive partnership, this full weekend program was brought together.

The Quantico Marine Band. They are in MarPat utilities because it rained most of the weekend.

We brought in around thirty active duty Marines, who we kitted as 1859 Marines, or who were in modern uniforms at our extensive display of the history of Marine weaponry, uniforms, and equipment. These Marines augmented our own USMCHC staff. We also brought in the Quantico Marine Band. The displays and band were set up in a large NHP tent behind the famous engine house where the raid took place.

Talks were given visitors at the Marine Corps historical displays, the amazing Quantico Band played concerts, and the 1859 Marines presented “At All Times Ready,” at various times throughout the weekend.

The program culminated in a parade by the band and the 1859 Marines, followed by a moving commemoration and wreath dedication to Private Luke Quinn. The Park Superintendent, Rebecca Harriett, and Dennis Frye, Chief of Interpretation and Education, spoke to introduce Lieutenant General G.R. Christmas, the keynote speaker, who gave a moving address to the crowd of hundreds present.

Wreath for Pvt Luke Quinn - Active duty SSgt Shane Lisowski, left, and MGySgt William Browne, Drum Major, President's Own Marine Band, right. SSgt Lisowski is wearing the 1859 Dress Blue uniform, and MGySgt Browne is wearing modern Dress Blues for the ceremony.

As an interesting high note: Present as a guest of the USMCHC during both these weekends was the Drum Major of the President’s Own Marine Band, Master Gunnery Sergeant William L. Browne. In accordance with his wishes, he was dressed as a Sergeant of 1859 for most of the proceedings. His reason was simple. He was commemorating Sergeant John Roach. Sergeant Roach, although appointed as the Drum Major of the Marine Band, volunteered to accompany the Marines sent to Harpers Ferry, and is reported to have been one of the Marines who hauled John Brown out of the engine house as a prisoner. Hence in our presentations, MGySgt Browne filled the role of his predecessor, John Roach.