SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Coastal Heritage Society hosted its annual Battlefield Memorial March Thursday to honor those who fought in the 1779 Battle of Savannah, which was a turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Dozens gathered early this morning to walk in the footsteps of those soldiers and to unveil a new permanent tribute.

With musket fire echoing in the air, the Coastal Heritage Society kicked off this year’s Battlefield Memorial March by retracing the same steps American, Haitian and French troops took more than two centuries ago. Experts say this battle was one of the most significant moments of the Revolutionary War in the South.

Participants honored the fallen with a wreath-laying and moment of silence, followed by the unveiling of a new marker dedicated to Revolutionary War patriots. The marker was placed in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

Coastal Heritage Society CEO Nora Fleming Lee said, “It’s important to keep this tradition alive for Coastal Heritage Society, because so many of Savannah’s young people don’t realize that the revolution affected the colonies this far south. Coastal It’s an important factor for Savannah’s history, and we should be very proud of the role that we played in the revolution.”

For those who missed the march, a temporary exhibit is now open for three weeks at the Savannah History Museum, made possible by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the State of Georgia.