Sergeant William Jasper Ceremony honors military on St. Patrick’s Day Eve

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Rain did not stop Savannah’s annual Sergeant William Jasper Ceremony Sunday evening, as military leaders, elected officials, and community members gathered at the Knights of Columbus to honor a Revolutionary War soldier and the service members who carry on his legacy.

The ceremony, which dates to 1978, honors Sergeant William Jasper, a soldier remembered for his actions during the Siege of Savannah. The event is held each year on the eve of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and is tied to the city’s Irish heritage.

Elected officials, military members make remarks

Congressman Buddy Carter, Mayor Van Johnson, and Chairman Chester E. Ellis each made remarks thanking Savannah’s military community.

Megan Teeple, an attendee who is in the Air Force, said the ceremony holds personal meaning for her family.

“The military is very important to us,” she said.

“We just love supporting the military, supporting the cause, and supporting the William Jasper Ceremony,” Teeple said.

Keynote speaker addresses Jasper’s legacy

Patrick Beytagh, general chairman of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, said the timing of the ceremony is intentional.

“The reason we save this ceremony for St. Patrick’s Day Eve is because we save the best for last,” Beytagh said.

“And it’s to tribute and honor our military. None of what we do would be possible without them.”

Keiven Favor, Command Sergeant Major at Hunter Army Airfield, delivered the keynote address.

“The spirit of Sergeant Jasper is not a relic of the past, it is the living, breathing standard for an American servicemember, and I have the privilege of witnessing it every single day,” Favor said.