Flag Day Luncheon – hosted by DAR – Saturday – June 13th – 12:00 Noon

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Tim Madden

Come one, come all!

The five Butler County DAR chapters are hosting a luncheon on Saturday June 13th at noon. The Hopewell DAR Chapter is the host of the event this year.

The location will be the Church of God at 2000 Eaton Road in Hamilton, OH 45013.

Members of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution are invited.

The Nolan Carson Color Guard has been requested to post colors and display the Captain Howard Miller Flag Collection.

Color Guard – recommended muster time would be 11:15AM.

We will share more information regarding reservations when they become available.

Posted in Captain Howard Miller Flag Collection, Color Guard, DAR Daughters of American Revolution, Local Events | Leave a comment

Come Join Us! – Cincinnati SAR Hosting Coffee & Donuts – Cincinnati VA Medical Center – Monday March 16th

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Tim Madden

Seeking Volunteers to help host a Coffee and Donut event at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.  

Date:  Monday March 16th

Time:  7:30 AM for set up and distribution of food to VA members

Background:

Various community and veterans service organizations provide donuts and serve complementary coffee and donuts at the VA Medical Center in Cincinnati many weekdays throughout the year.

The Cincinnati VA Medical Center is one of the most highly rated in the country and serves about 40,000 veterans.

CCSAR member and regular VA Medical Center Volunteer Paul Taylor gave Scott Freeman an excellent tour of the VA Medical Center facilities last year, and we discussed ways the Cincinnati Chapter could get further involved to support patients, staff, and volunteers at the hospital.

Hosting the coffee and donuts for a first time seemed an obvious first step, so we are now on the schedule and taking the plunge (literally dunking the first donut in the coffee) to host our first event on Monday March 16th.

Seeking Volunteers – we are seeking a few good men to be at the VA Medical Center by 7:30 am on Monday March 16th.  We plan to have at least a couple members in uniform or colonial attire, but anyone is welcomed to participate.  It ends when the provisions run out.

Paul is apparently volunteering at the VA on that day and has offered to pick up the donuts on his way (coffee provided by the VA Medical Center), so all we have to do is show up and hand out the provisions with gratitude until they are gone.

Paul is going to arrange to meet one of the trustees or directors so we can discuss how else we might serve and cooperate with the medical center.  It is likely we will do this again, but there may be other opportunities.

Interested in helping out and participating?  Please contact President Freeman DSFreeman@fuse.net if you would plan to participate.

Address for the Cincinnati VA Medical Center:  This is in Clifton at 3200 Vine Street, and

Parking – can be limited, so we will carpool from the Freeman house in Montgomery to the extent possible.

For more information about the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, click on the below link:

https://www.va.gov/cincinnati-health-care/locations/cincinnati-va-medical-center/

 

 

 

Posted in Local Events, Service to Veterans | Leave a comment

Presidents Day – Saturday Feb. 21nd – SAR/DAR/CAR event

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Tim Madden

We had an exciting joint event Presidents’ Day Celebration Luncheon on Saturday, February 21st at 12:00PM.

The event was held at the beautiful Cincinnati Woman’s Club – 330 Lafayette Ave. in central Cincinnati.

This is a wonderful indoor event (warm and cozy), the lunch served is always terrific, the DAR ladies are decked out in period attire.

Our Color Guard makes a great impression greeting the guests, posting and retrieving the flags / colors.

We were graced with the presence of Martha Washington who attended and apologized for George not being able to make it.

This is a splendid event, and there were members of the SAR, DAR and CAR.  Many family members where present.

The event invitation is provided below:

 Feb2026InvitationPresidentsDayCelebrationLuncheonDAR SAR CAR

The event program is provided below:

Presidents Day – page 1

Presidents Day – page 2

The event was started with the CCSAR Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard escorting Ms. Washington into the event.  The Color Guard followed with the flags (colors) posting them at the front of the meeting room.

Cincinnati DAR Regent Monica Mohlenkamp was the emcee for the event, introducing the participants in the event.

There were three speakers for the event, each spoke of how George Washington’s birthday was celebrated during the Revolutionary War, as well as moving forward in time.

Scott Freeman, President of the CCSAR spoke first and shared the story behind conflicting birth dates for George Washington.

First Lady Martha Washington (portrayed by Heidi Wiedamann) spoke about George’s deflection on the attention he received as a war hero and later President.

Children of the American Revolution (CAR) member Andrew Apthorpe spoke about modern day celebrations of George Washington’s birthday and the transition to Presidents Day.

Meredith Haynes of the Ft. Washington Society of the CAR welcomed those in attendance and accepted donations from the DAR and SAR to further their cause.

There was an auction of items available for all to bid on.  There were some very happy winners!

To close the event, the Color Guard retired the Colors (flags) and the meeting ended.

Very interesting and the crowd was entertained and educated. 

This was a great event, well organized and very impressive. 

Please keep in mind for next year’s event!

 

 

Posted in Chapter Luncheons, Color Guard, Save Our History | Leave a comment

“Flightless” Honor Flight – Sunday March 8th, 2026 – Anderson Center / Anderson Township

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Tim Madden

Calling all SAR members to participate in the next Tri-State Honor Flight which is scheduled for Sunday March 8th at 1:30 pm at the Anderson Center (Anderson Twp. Municipal Hall).

As you may know, there are regularly scheduled flights from Cincinnati (and around the country) where Military Veterans can take a scheduled flight to Washington DC where they can visit the Veterans Memorials.

For some, taking that plane trip is physically not possible.  As a result, for those veterans who cannot take the round trip to DC, there is an alternative “Flightless Honor Flight”.

This effort involves hosting an event in the local area where these veterans can attend and participate in a program which attempts to mirror the experience of those making the plane trip to DC.  Feedback from the Veterans who attend is excellent.

Here is the official message published by the Honor Flight program:

US Army Soldier in Universal Camouflage Uniform

OUR MISSION

We are honored to support all veterans aged 65 and older, whether they served overseas or stateside. Oldest Vets go 1st

Our mission is unwavering: NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND.

​Give a Veteran the Trip of a Lifetime

For many Veterans, a trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built in their honor is something they could not make happen on their own—whether due to financial, physical, or logistical challenges. That’s where Honor Flight Tri-State steps in. Our mission is simple: to make this once-in-a-lifetime journey possible for as many Veterans as we can.

The Honor Flight experience is completely free of charge for all participating Veterans. If a Veteran does not have a family member or friend to accompany them, we assign a trained and enthusiastic guardian to assist throughout the day.

Veterans over the age of 65—whether they served overseas or stateside—are eligible to apply.

Information about the Tri-State Honor flight program and upcoming events can be captured via the below link:

https://www.honorflighttristate.org/#:~:text=About%20Honor%20Flight%20Tri%2DState,Volunteer

If you or someone else is interested in participating in the Flightless Honor Flight event, please click on the link below, complete the application and send it in per the instructions:

’25 Flightless Application

Details:

When:  March 8th @ 1:30PM

Link to website for more info:  FLIGHTLESS Honor Flight

Where:  The Anderson Center, 7850 Five Mile Road, Anderson Township, OH  45230

 

Some photos of the past event in June 2025:

https://cincinnatisar.org/flightless-honor-flight-blue-ash-ohio-sunday-june-8th-2025/

We encourage you to identify Veterans who may benefit from these events.  You could even be a sponsor or companion for these Veterans for their trip.

These are a great opportunity to honor veterans who cannot make an honor flight to Washington DC for various reasons.

Benefits to Attend:  the flightless flight programs are much closer to most of us, they require less time to attend, timing is less uncertain, parking is easy, close by, and definitely free, and there are relative few people present to greet and honor these veterans at the conclusion of the program, so our presence is much more meaningful.

As a special bonus, our Cincinnati Chapter replica Revolutionary War era cannon is currently on display at Anderson Center and may still be at that time.  It would be great if we could invite veterans and people attending this event to go down to the History Room and see the cannon.  We should endeavor to make sure it stays there through this event.

Also, this as well as every other event on our calendar is for all members to participate, not just Color Guard!

In patriotism,

 

Posted in Color Guard, Honor Flights, National SAR Events, Service to Veterans, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

New US Citizens – Naturalization Ceremony – Thursday February 19th

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Tim Madden

The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution are regular participants in the Naturalization Ceremonies where new US Citizens are officially sworn in.

Compatriot Stephen McClanahan welcomed 53 new citizens from 21 countries at a naturalization ceremony held on Friday , December 19th at the Potter Stewart Courthouse in Cincinnati.

The Honorable Judge Karen Litkovitz officiated the ceremony.

Welcome Home to the US of A!

Posted in Color Guard, Naturalization Ceremony | Leave a comment

Naturalization Ceremony – Friday February 20th – Downtown Cincinnati

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Tim Madden

Members of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution are faithful participants in local Naturalization Ceremonies where new citizens are sworn in as official citizens of the USA.

Compatriots Jerry Knight and Stephen McClanahan welcomed 48 new citizens from 27 countries at a naturalization ceremony held on Friday , February 20th at the Potter Stewart Courthouse in Cincinnati.

The Honorable Judge Stephanie Bowman officiated the ceremony.

Attached is a photo of new citizens from Kenya; every member of this family was wearing a beautiful smile!

Welcome Home!

Posted in Color Guard, Naturalization Ceremony | Leave a comment

Winter – OHSSAR Meeting – Saturday 2/7

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Tim Madden

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.

Posted in State Events | Leave a comment

Heads Up! Harrison Parade and Tomb Event – VENUE HAS CHANGED!

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Tim Madden

This event is scheduled for Friday 2/6.

Due to the weather, the event venue has changed.

New Location – inside of Taylor High School, 56 Cooper Rd, Cleves, OH which is located approximately one mile from the tomb.

Do Not Go to the original location.  There will not be a parade up the hill.  If that was a reason not to attend, it has been eliminated.

The timing is the same, gathering at 10:30, ceremony at 11am.

Color Guard – NO MUSKETS / NO MUSKET VOLLEY (schools frown upon this!)

Our wreath will be presented.

Hope you can participate!

 

 

Posted in Color Guard, Local Events, Save Our History | Leave a comment

What Does It Take to Restore a 250 Year Old Cannon That Was Underwater?

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Tim Madden

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.

Enjoy!

Posted in Save Our History | Leave a comment

Ceremony for 250th Anniversary of Battle of Quebec and death of General Richard Montgomery

Posted on January 26, 2026 by Tim Madden

Saturday, January 3, 2025

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz4orlmguBM

The Patriot Grave Marking event had over seventy people in attendance and they endured a light rain.

A lot of research was done in preparation for this, and we had docents at the individual graves to tell people about each respective.

Philip Carver plays taps to conclude the event

Two of the Patriots – Weller & Felter are listed “In Memoriam”, due to the fact that exact Grave locations are unknown/unmarked.

Records and information about these 8 patriots can be found at:

https://sarpatriots.sar.org/cemetery/display/372944

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:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EymtFfhSi/

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.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14Ye3cFRS7n/

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.

Hoping to make this a repeat event!

 

Posted in Color Guard, Local Events, Save Our History | Leave a comment