April 15th 2009.
After a chaotic and confused back and forth with the Town of Abingdon, VA, the Abingdon Tea Party was held at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion. Although it was a shame to not use the muster site of the Kings Mountain men, the Farmer’s Market was an exceptional location with many more amenities than the muster site.
We hated to lose the historical significance the muster site represented. It is the spot where the men who, in all intents and purposes, began the campaign that turned the tide in the American Revolution, so to it could have been the site of the American people assembling to change the tide of wasteful government spending.
Present at the tea party was a group of Overmountain Victory Trail Association members, most if not all, who are direct descendents of the very men who meet there in 1780. In their colonial attire and accompanying flintlock muskets, they fired several salutes to the veterans of this great nations wars.
I think it is safe to say this was the highlight for the over 550 patriots who attended. I know it’s something that I will never forget.
I would like to thank the Unalienable Rights Foundation, who went above and beyond the call of duty for their assistance in securing a location for the tea party.
I thank the over 550 patriots who attended and those Americans who didn’t attend regardless of their beliefs but respectfully acknowledged our right to do so. To those who have denigrated the attendees, I have nothing for you but contempt.
Ted Dingler
Abingdon, VA Tea Party Coordinator
