On Saturday February 7th, there was SAR winter BOM meeting.
Brain trust of the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
Ohio Chapter Presidents and others interested attended the event.
The Ladies Auxiliary also were present and presented a hand stitched “Quilt of Valor” to our Cincinnati Chapter member Douglas Carver for his faithful and tireless service.
Douglas Carver with Kathy Freeman
Douglas Carver “gift wrapped” in a Quilt of Valor
Certificate presented to Douglas Carver
This event brings all the leadership of the Ohio chapters together to discuss future plans and address concerns or issues which need to be discussed.
Participants in the meeting listen intently
Mike Gunn of the Cincinnati Chapter presents to the audience
The participants got to visit with others and catch up with old friends.
Scott Freeman catching up with friends
Scott Freeman accepts award from Bob Hill
Cincinnati SAR members who participated included:
Scott Freeman – Chapter President
Michael Blum – State Treasurer
George Stewart – State Historian
Michael Gunn – Grave Marking Chairman
Douglas Carver – recipient of the Quilt of Honor
Donald McGraw – State Secretary
If you have the chance and want to get more involved in the direction of Ohio SAR, please consider attending the next meeting.
Thanks to CCSAR Historian George Stewart for sharing this article.
Recently, our chapter was donated a small cannon from a member. The team of Brad Jarard, and his wife spent a tremendous amount of time to clean, prepare the surface, drill a fuse hole, rebuild the wooden carriage and acquire all the pieces and parts needed to make the restored cannon authentic and in working condition. This cannon is fully functional and we have used it in exhibits and in events.
We were lucky, the cannon weathered the elements however was not too badly damaged by years of neglect.
Imagine what it would take to restore an authentic Revolutionary War cannon which was buried in the mud of an ocean sound. This is a very complicated en devour to say the least.
The following is a video published by the Savannah History Museum covering the discovery, recovery and restoration of a number of Revolutionary War cannons.
We should not take for granted the time, care and energy needed to accomplish this feat.
Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Battle of Quebec and death of General Richard Montgomery, Hero & Patriot.
Period flags with a portrait of General Montgomery
This event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the tragic death of General Richard Montgomery during the unsuccessful assault on Quebec City on Dec. 31, 1775, a fascinating and hugely consequential, but little-known chapter of the American Revolution.
Revolutionary War artifacts on display
The city of Montgomery, Ohio was named after the Revolutionary War General.
The event was held at Terwilliger Lodge in Dulle Park, 10530 Deerfield Rd., Montgomery OH 45242. CCSAR President Scott Freeman Emceed the Event.
CCSAR President Scott Freeman speaks to the large crowd
Michael Gunn was Event Commander of the combined Color Guards who Posted the Colors and later after Presenting Arms, Mourned at the playing of Taps played by Douglas Carver. Zachary Haines portrayed General George Washington.
Zachary Haines as General George Washington makes an impassioned speech to those in the audience
General Washington displays his sword
Exhibits of the CCSAR Cannon (presented by Brad Jarard), thirty historic flags from the Howard Miller Historical Flag Collection (presented by CCSAR President Scott Freeman and 18th Century Artifacts from the Revolutionary War Era (presented by Michael Gunn).
Part of the Howard Miller flag collection on display
Kathy Freeman (assisted by sons Will & David) hosted the attendees with drinks, snacks & pizza.
There were over sixty participants who signed up in advance as well as a dozen other attendees.
Combined SAR Color Guard
Attached is a YouTube video from another Montgomery, OH event in 2021 at the Hopewell Cemetery where 8 Patriots were honored.
We had at least twenty CCSAR chapter members attend. In addition, there were eight members of the Richard Montgomery Chapter SAR, Stuart Martin & Patrick Berry of the KYSSAR. And twenty-four DAR Members from various chapters.
Ladies of the DAR and SAR in attendance
The current and immediate Past President of the Simon Kenton chapter in KY were in attendance.
Six local DAR chapters were represented, most with multiple members from every chapter.
There was a long a long list of current and past SAR chapter Presidents and DAR Regents.
SAR / DAR representatives were dressed in a combination of period attire and civilian dress.
The lodge was a wonderful venue, and the room was filled. All the seats and tables we had were occupied. The exhibits, food and room for the speakers and Color Guard made it a full house.
The City of Montgomery provided a proclamation, which CCSAR President Scott Freeman read during the program. A copy of it is with the photos and video. The city also gave us complete access to the lodge for two full days free of charge. For that we are grateful!
The City of Montgomery posted the following on their Facebook page:
The Mayor of Montgomery, Lee Ann Bissmeyer, stopped by late. It was getting close to 5:00 pm, most people were gone, and a lot of the stuff was packed up, but she stayed for well over an hour talking to Mike Gunn and Scott Freeman. She was very interested in our activities, and a lot of potential opportunities were identified and discussed.
President Freeman was able to present a Certificate of Appreciation and a framed Portrait of General Richard Montgomery to the Mayor immediately afterwards, just unfortunately not during the ceremony.
A Certificate of Appreciation was also presented to member Gerald Hounchell who donated the cannon to the chapter. He had the opportunity to see the restored cannon for the first time. He is very pleased with what we have done with it.
The Cincinnati Chapter had four different exhibits on display. It was a special indoor event, and we had space, so we pulled out everything, which is unusual. Having access to the building the day before helped make this possible. We can make an impressive display including:
30 Revolutionary War era flags from the Captain Howard Miller Flag Collection (thanks to Stephen McClanahan and Scott Freeman)
Thirty flags on display, part of the CCSAR collection
Revolutionary War era Cannon Display (thanks to Brad Jarard)
Recently restored functional cannon on display
18th Century Artifacts (thanks to Michael Gunn)
More Revolutionary War artifacts on display and questions were asked
America 250th Poster Display (thanks to Doug Bates who designed these and had them made)
Poster board with the timeline of the American Revolutionary War
We also had a SAR information table where visitors could pick up information and learn more about the SAR, our mission and activities in the community.
Alan See of Richard Montgomery Chapter produced the video below. As usual, he did an excellent job capturing the essence of the event.
It is a great way to kick off 2026, the year of America’s 250th birthday, something we all should celebrate and commemorate at every opportunity.
The city of Montgomery provided Terwilliger Lodge in Dulle Park free of charge for the day, their largest and nicest indoor facility.
Color Guard members:
Michael Blum
Doug Carver (Bugler)
Nathan Chester
Michael Gunn (Event Commander)
Scott Freeman (Master of Ceremonies, Speaker on Life of General Richard Montgomery and the Quebec Campaign)
Zachary Haines (as General Washington, Speaker, Washington’s Personal Reflections on the Battle of Quebec and Death of General Richard Montgomery)
Brad Jarad
Stephen McClanahan
George Stewart
Civilian Attire
Larry Collins
Carl Cooper
Michael Cooper
Gerald Hounchel
Robert Jackson
Keith McVay
Joe Mohlenkamp
Maddox Moon
Gordon Stokely
Robert Sturm
John Tiffany
This was a terrific event, which was organized and championed by CCSAR President Scott Freeman. Special thanks to the City of Montgomery who provided the meeting venue.
We invite all SAR members including those in the Color Guard to participate in a commemorative event on Friday February 6th in North Bend / Cleves, OH.
This event will commemorate the birthday of William Henry Harrison.
Where / When: the event will take place on Friday, Feb. 6, with wreath laying at 11 am at his tomb site at 41 Cliff Rd, North Bend OH 45052.
The event starts with a march/parade to the tomb. If interested in participating in the March, you should gather at the North Bend Municipal Building at 21 Taylor Avenue, North Bend, OH at 10:30AM. They will serve coffee/drinks and donuts to keep you fueled for the march up the half mile walk (steep grade).
If you chose to not march and attend the wreath laying, you can park next to the tomb site (up the hill – next to the tomb) and gather at the tomb.
This is a very moving event. There are lots of civic members, school children sing patriotic songs, special wreath laying events and the Color Guard will perform a musket volley.
William Henry Harrison only served 30 days as a US President and passed away very soon into his short presidency.
Come join us to celebrate this terrific and moving event.
Let Jason Bourgeois, CCSAR Color Guard Commander (email: jpbourgeois@roadrunner.com) know if you will be coming.
The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution has a wonderful Youth Education Program.
A key part of that effort is to go into area schools and share living history with the students and faculty.
Compatriot George Stewart shares the common myths about the American Revolution conflict
These Compatriots dress in 1770’s era military uniforms which are consistent with the uniforms worn by their patriot ancestor in the American Revolution.
Stephen McClanahan shares the story of the timeline of the American Revolution
Each of these representatives has a different story to share with these students.
Compatriot Jack Bredenfoerder tells the story of Joseph Plumb Martin, a 15 year old who signed up to fight in the revolutionary war.
On Thursday December 18th, Compatriots Stephen McClanahan, Jack Bredenfoerder, George Stewart, and Mike Gunn made presentations to these inquiring students.
Compatriot Mike Gunn shares his collection of Rev. War artifacts
There was plenty of time for curious questions to be answered by these Compatriots.
Thanks to the parents and students for their questions and attention.
On January 6th, the Cincinnati Chapter’s Revolutionary War era cannon was put on display in Anderson Townships (Hamilton County, OH) History Room. Plans are for it to be there through the middle of March.
Cincinnati SAR Compatriot Brad Jarard stands behind the Chapter’s Cannon on display at the Anderson Township Historical Society
The History Room is the result of collaboration between the Anderson Township Board of Trustees and the Anderson Township Historical Society. It is in the Lower Atrium of the Anderson Center (Township Government Building) at 7850 Five Mile Road, Cincinnati, Ohio. This is north of the Anderson Town Center shopping center on Beechmont Avenue.
The history room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays (except for holidays) and covers the evolution of Anderson Township from prehistoric times through the present.
Cincinnati SAR is back participating in local Naturalization Ceremonies.
On Friday January 23rd, at St. Dominic School in Cincinnati, Compatriot Stephen McClanahan of the Cincinnati Sons of the American Revolution welcomed new US Citizens.
Stephen McClanahan welcomes new US Citizen
On that day, there were 50 new citizens representing 22 countries sworn in.
New US Citizens being sworn in at St. Dominic
The Honorable Judge Karen Litkovitz officiated the ceremony.
The following is a SAR episode titled “The Great Chain”.
Sixty five ton’s of chain which closed off the Hudson River from the British.
It was effective, it worked, it was amazing for the time.
In today’s episode, we explore one of the most significant engineering feats of the American Revolution. A “Great Chain” that was designed to protect the Hudson River from being taken by the British was deployed at West Point and played a major role in the ultimate victory by the Americans.
Crazy times, full of family, full of worship, gifts to purchase, wrap and prepare for those meetings with friends and relatives. Time to reflect on the past year. Opportunity to look forward to the next.
We are grateful for what we have. We always want more. Human nature on display!
Recently, I took time (12 hours in total) to watch the Ken Burns series on “The American Revolution”. This series is available on PBS channel for free.
PBS Series – 6 two hour segments – The American Revolution
After watching this, I am simply amazed that our country exists.
During the fight for independence, there was no less than twelve differing groups of interests struggling to win what was important to them.
Note that most of these groups did not get what they wanted!
A list of interest groups I noted:
Britain
Germans
French
Spanish
Patriots
Loyalists
Colonists who preferred to not take sides
Slaves – who sided with Britain & Loyalists
Slaves – who sided with Patriots
Native Americans – who sided with Britain / Loyalists
Native Americans – who sided with Patriots
Native Americans – stay away, leave us and our lands alone
All these groups fought for various reasons and had vested interests.
People question why the Revolutionary War which started in 1775, continued through 1783. During this time, all these groups were jockeying for what they wanted.
Try to envision our countries founding fathers trying to put together a country, a government, and satisfying the interests of the various groups.
Simply amazing if one thinks about it.
To say that the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights were not perfect documents is correct. Consider however the vast sea of interests the founding fathers were trying to placate and satisfy.
This period of time is very complex, and fluid.
In hindsight, it is remarkable that this country was founded, evolved and has flourished. We still have challenges, however our country, our government, our freedoms are the envy of the world. Nothing else has evolved to rival our success.
As you enter the holidays and think how lucky we are, please think of the contributions of our founding fathers.
We can be grateful and recognize the sacrifices of all those interest groups noted above. Not all were graced with what they wanted.
If you have the time and want a very complete history of the American Revolution please seek out and watch. The investment will be humbling!
