On February 27th, three members of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution visited Union Elementary School in West Chester Township.
The school was located at 7672 Lesourdsville-West Chester Road West Chester Township, OH.
The CCSAR members presenting information to the students were Michael Gunn, Gregg Ballman, & Ed Bonniwell. They all were dressed in uniforms of the 1770’s military.
Each of the members presented information about the Revolutionary War to three groups of 50, 4th Grade students. These students have been learning about the founding of our country.
Questions from the children revealed they knew of our topic and appreciated the insight from our Youth Presentations.
Our speakers appreciate questions and were grateful for the attention and politeness of the students. We are very thankful for the support of the teachers, administrators and the students.
Thanks for having us and thank you for caring about the founding of our great country.
As you may be aware, our Cincinnati Chapter of SAR acquired a small replica cannon from one of our members.
We can thank many however Brad Jarard and his wife were principally responsible for rehabilitating the cannon and making it operational.
We plan to put the cannon on display at local exhibits, our living history events and outdoor events.
Recently the cannon was on display at the Anderson Township history room, temporarily included in a permanent exhibit about the history of Anderson Township and the surrounding area.
Brad Jarard reached out to Fox 19 news and participated in a TV news story that aired recently.
The story is mostly about the history room but does give decent coverage to our cannon currently on display there. Brad Jarard provides comments in the story.
Thanks to George Stewart for sharing this article.
It appears that your opportunity is coming up!
Purchase your own original copy of the Declaration of Independence.
I know most of you are recovering from the post holiday wallet lightening, however tax refunds may help you acquire a prized piece of history. Let us know if you snag a copy!
Interested in taking a bus trip to Washington DC in early June 2026?
The DAR Caroline Scott Chapter in Oxford, OH is planning an America 250 Washington DC trip in 2026. They will be using a travel company that has been working with school and adult groups (including DAR) for over 30 years, Martin School of Travel.
Travel dates are June 3-7, 2026. The motor coach leaves from Oxford, OH. Additional participants are needed, and the deadline for registration has been extended, but please register ASAP.
This is a good opportunity to tour the nation’s capital in a convenient, comfortable, and carefree way in 2026.
Please see attachments for details and online registration info. Contact Jo Malicote directly at 513-290-1178 if you have questions.
On Sunday March 8th on a gorgeous spring day, there was a special event at the Anderson Center in Anderson Township.
An estimated 70 Veterans gathered to participate in a special event where the sponsors created a presentation to help those Veterans get a feel for visiting Washington DC.
The Honor Flight tradition flies Veterans and their caregiver/guardian to Washington DC where these Veterans visit their respective service monuments.
Unfortunately, for many Veterans, the full day trip on a plane can be too much. As a result, the “Flightless Honor Flight” program was developed.
These Veterans arrived and participated in a indoor event for an hour or so. At the conclusion, they were taken outside where over 150 family members, friends, community volunteers and patriotic groups (including the SAR and DAR) welcomed and honored them with rounds of applause, hugs, handshakes. There were a number of moist eyes visible as this was a very moving event.
The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution were well represented. The following members were on hand for the event:
Douglas Scott Freeman
Michael Gunn
Timothy Madden
Stephen McClanahan
Douglas Carver
Bradley Jarard
In addition, Doug Pettit, Ohio Society First VP, Veterans Committee Chairman, and 2026-27 Nominee for State of Ohio Society President was on hand.
All SAR members present were dressed in 1770’s era military uniforms.
Several DAR Chapters were also in attendance.
Also displayed was the Cincinnati Chapter’s cannon which was removed from the Anderson Township Historical Society history exhibit where it had been on display for a couple of months.
This was truly a really memorable event and a tribute to these American heroes and their families.
Prior to the event, members of the SAR met at Anderson Township Pub for lunch. Great way to connect.
We look forward to participating in future Honor flights!
If you are interested in having a Veteran participate in future events, the event application is provided below:
On January 23rd, the Youth Education program presented at Mariemont Junior High.
Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution members Rev. Ed Bonniwell and Mike Gunn made presentations to the students and staff on that day.
Rev. Ed Bonniwell presents a discussion on the Battle of Yorktown
The goal of Youth Education for CCSAR is to share with young adults in living history the story of the American Revolution. We believe it is important for students to understand the struggle for independence and our revolutionary form of government.
These presentation are typically 20-30 minutes long and fit into the class schedule for the school.
Period artifacts on display and for discussion
These presentations are made and student / staff questions are welcomed and happily answered.
We thank the school administration, the teachers and the students for their interest and support for our efforts.
On Friday February 20th, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented living history at Donovan Elementary School in Lebanon.
Mike Gunn presented a display of period artifacts used during the American Revolution. Mike also discussed with the students how the Revolutionary War soldiers fought, how they lived and let the students get real close and handle some of the artifacts including a 2 pound canon ball retrieved from a battlefield.
This presentation was intended to give the students a feel for history. Mike was dressed as a Lagoon soldier who was a lineal descendant of Mike.
Many questions were raised by the students and they were very interested in the presentation.
Unfortunately, the presentation was limited to one class at the school.
Our goal is to help youth understand the events surrounding the American Revolution and give the a sense of what it was like during those times.
Thanks to the school and supportive administration and teaching staff.
