Standing 15.5 feet (4.7 m) high in Madison Square, Savannah, Georgia, is a bronze statue of a Continental soldier determinedly defending his regimental flag. The statue, designed by Alexander Doyle and dedicated in 1888, is to an Irish American hero, Sergeant William Jasper. While not well know in Ireland, he is proudly remembered and honoured every year by the people and Irish community of Savannah. At this year's commemoration we met with Dr Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan, Assistant Professor, Irish Studies, Georgia Southern University, who kindly took time out to tell the story of Sgt William Jasper and his Irish heritage legacy that lives on to this day.

The American Resolution, 1775 - 1783, was a rebellion carried out by 13 North American colonies, then ruled by Great Britain. Beginning in 1775 after more than a decade of tensions, the ensuring conflict witnessed military campaigns that gave birth to a new nation, the United States of America.

William Jasper was a Sergeant in the 2nd South Carolina Regiment. He distinguished himself in the defense of Fort Sullivan (today Fort Moultrie) on 28 June 1776, on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. The island was named after Irishman Captain Florence O'Sullivan, who captained one of the first ships to establish Charleston in the late 17th century. After the regimental standard was shot down by a shell from a British ship, Jasper held the flag high under fire until a new staff could be found. Governor John Rutledge gave his sword to Jasper in recognition of his bravery.

On 9 October 1779, Sergeant Jasper was mortally wounded during the Siege of Savannah, Georgia, which failed to recapture the city from the British.

In 1842, a local militia unit, the Irish Jasper Greens were named in his honour. That unit went on to serve with distinction during the Mexican War and American Civil War.

He is remembered today in the city, town and county place names in 14 states.

Image Credits
Sgt. Jasper raising the battle flag of the Colonial forces over present-day Fort Moultrie on June 28, 1776 during the Battle of Sullivan's Island. (New York Public Library)

Irish Jasper Greens Monument at the Catholic Cemetery in Savannah. (image courtesy of Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan)

Grave of Irish Jasper Green Charles White, with Confederate Cross of Honor, at the Catholic Cemetery in Savannah. (image courtesy of Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan)

Special thanks to Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan, Assistant Professor, Irish Studies, Georgia Southern University. www.georgiasouthern.edu/cah/irish/

This video is a production of The Irish Military Heritage Foundation CLG: (RCN) 20203159.

Video recorded and edited by Terry Healy.

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