Wareham’s newly reactivated Minutemen and Militia companies for the nation’s Bicentennial worked closely with the Town’s Fife and Drum Corps. Did you know that the Corps, under the direction of Donna Bronk, earned four trophies for their performances in several “battles” across New England?

But perhaps their most important performance came when the Minutemen and Militia met the 64^th Regiment of British Redcoats in a battle re-enactment in 1976. This “battle” had been planned for well in advance with Wareham holding a muster day in 1975 to kick off the Bicentennial celebration.

A large audience turned out that day for a parade that traveled down Main Street to end at the “ancient muster field” at Decas School. The parade stopped by the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial at the Town Green then went on to Fearing Tavern where Major John Fearing, the commanding officer of the local group, joined his unit. The troops and parade then marched to the “field of battle.”

George F. Taber Jr., a former Town Meeting Moderator, served as master of ceremonies and narrated the mock battle. Later, visitors and residents enjoyed demonstrations of colonial arts and crafts such as candle making, beam hewing and sewing. The tomahawk throwing contest was won by a Wareham Minuteman. Similar events will take place during Wareham’s 2014 celebrations. Visit the website for details at www.wareham2014.com.