Blue Licks Memorial Service
August 20, 2019
Submitted by The Rev. Dr. Ed Bonniwell
Ohio SAR State Chaplain
Stephen Hinson, President SAR state of Ohio
On Saturday August 17th Dr. Ed Bonniwell, SAR Ohio State Chaplain; Gary Duffield, President of the Highland Chapter; and Jack Bredenfoerder, Vice President for the German Society SAR, participated in the Memorial Service held at Blue Licks Resort State Park. It was the 237th anniversary of the Battle of Blue Licks, and we memorialized 66 fallen compatriots who gave their life there defending our nation, yet to be born, standing up for our freedoms and the ideals that have made America great. They gave the last full measure of devotion.
The memorial service was deeply moving and well attended. The State President of the Kentucky SAR, Mike Sullivan, served as Master of Ceremonies; also participating was Douglas Collins, Registrar General National Society Sons of the American Revolution. In attendance was Peter Davenport, Chancellor General, National Society Sons of the American Revolution; Douglas Collins, Registrar General National Society Sons of the American Revolution; and William Sharp, Vice President General – Central District National Society Sons of the American Revolution.
Gary Duffield, President of the Highlanders Chapter and Jack Bredenfoerder, Vice President for the German Society SAR
The ceremony was well executed; and it was wisdom that all of it was held in the morning before it became dangerously hot. There were a number of people in attendance, with nearly 40 men in Continental, and/or militia garb participating. Dr. Ed Bonniwell participated in the military tribute under the leadership of Mike Sullivan, Commander and State President for the Kentucky SAR. Chaplain Eric McClain opened up ceremonies with an invocation, and Geoff Baggett, a Chaplain in the Kentucky SAR closed us out with a lovely Benediction.
Our fallen war dead, those who fought against incredible odds with bravery and raw courage, were duly remembered by this wonderful event. I only wish it could have had national coverage. It was a privilege for Jack Bredenfoerder, Gary Duffield and The Rev. Dr. Ed Bonniwell to participate in this wonderful event. Dr. Bonniwell had the privilege of laying a wreath, memorializing our fallen war dead, on behalf of the distinguished Cincinnati Chapter. Gary Duffield, President of the Highlanders Chapter, also laid a wreath on behalf of that Chapter; and Jack Bredenfoerder, Vice President for the German Society SAR, placed a wreath in behalf of that organization.
(Du wirst nicht vergessen, ruhe in Frieden.)
Dr. Ed Bonniwell, Sar Ohio State Chaplain
Personally speaking, I will long remember this wonderful event.
May God Bless America!
