Adai Caddo citizens Robert and Tristan Brevelle were inducted into the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) on February. 14 at Fort St. Jean Baptiste. The SAR honors Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, community service, American history, and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country. Robert and Tristan are direct descendants of Revolutionary War Patriot Antoine Francois Dauzat.
“We are honored to join the Natchitoches Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution,” said Robert. “Spanish Louisiana played a significant role in our country’s fight for independence. Our ancestors served in the Galvez Expedition, capturing Baton Rouge, Natchez, Mobile, Biloxi, and Pensacola, thereby denying the British the Mississippi River and the entire Gulf Coast. We hope to honor their memory by sharing the story of their service, promoting patriotism, and serving our local community.”
During the American Revolution, the Louisiana colony was under Spanish rule. While Spain did not declare war on England until 1779, the Spanish Governor of Louisiana, Bernardo de Galvez, supported the revolution by smuggling supplies (gunpowder, muskets, uniforms, medicine) through the British blockade. When Spain declared war on England in 1779, the Louisiana militia units joined with Galvez’s Spanish troops to defeat the English at Manchac and New Richmond (present-day Baton Rouge). Galvez led about 500 Spanish soldiers, Louisiana militia men, and Indians against the British, capturing strategic posts and communities from the Mississippi River to Florida denying the enemy the ability to encircle the American rebels. Galvez was officially recognized by George Washington for his aid during the revolution, which qualifies the descendants of those militia men to become members of the SAR or Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as Patriots.
In 2014, President Obama signed a joint congressional resolution granting Bernardo de Galvez honorary United States citizenship. Galvez was recognized for his crucial role in the American Revolution, including his military victories against the British.
Robert and Tristan join their cousins and fellow Adai Caddo Indians Paul Vercher in the SAR and Paige Holsapple in the DAR.
Members of the Adai Caddo Tribal Council and Council of Elders attended the SAR ceremony. Vice Chief Debrah Garrett presented Robert with a bullet made of pure silver. She presented Tristan with a necklace adorned with a silver Winged Liberty Head dime.
Billy LeJeune, President of the Louisiana SAR, presented the Adai Caddo Indian Nation with a SAR streamer for their tribal flag.
To learn more about the Sons of the American Revolution please visit sar.org. To learn more about the Adai Caddo Indian nation, visit adaicaddo.com.
Pictured Above: Billy LeJeune, president of the Louisiana State Society of the SAR presents a streamer to the Adai Caddo Indian Nation. Pictured (left to right) are Billy LeJeune, Paul Vercher, Robert and Tristan Brevelle, Chief John Mark Davis, Debrah Garrett, Charlene Conarroe, Dee Niette Thompson, Robert Wilkerson, and Paige Holsapple.
Pictured Below: Tony L. Vets (president of the Natchitoches Chapter SAR), Tony L. “Bo” Vets II (former president of the Louisiana State SAR), Robert and Tristan Brevelle, and Billy LeJeune (president of the Louisiana State SAR).
