One of America’s oldest military organizations will celebrate its 204th birthday this month. The Washington Light Infantry (WLI), headquartered in Charleston, S.C., has participated in every conflict since its founding in 1807 and is still in service today. The unit is named in honor of Gen. and President George Washington.

The unit’s flag was given to them by the widow of George Washington’s cousin, Col. William Washington. The “Eutaw†Flag is believed to be the last remaining battle flag from the American Revolution, and is still used today by WLI. The unit also participated in the founding of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, in 1842.

From Midlandsbiz.com:

At least two WLI members – U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston and U.S. Army Sgt. Francis S. Currey – are recipients of the Medal of Honor. And Maj. Gen. Robert Livingston, the adjutant general of S.C., is an honorary member of WLI.

“The WLI and its members not only demonstrate, but set the example of what we know to be the finest qualities found within the American spirit,†says Maj. Gen. [Jim] Livingston.

WLI has an interesting history, which you can read about here.

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O' Citadel we sing thy fame for all the world to hear...

 

And in the paths our fathers show us,

Follow without fear...

 

Peace and honor God and country, we will fight for thee...

 

O' Citadel we praise thee now,

And in eternity...

 

We used to do an annual WLI function down at the old Citadel at Marion Square...now a very nice Embassy Suites, go figure.