On a beautiful summer day on Friday July 26th in Bolivar Ohio there was a memorial service to honor the “unknown soldiers” who perished outside the walls of Fort Laurens back during the American Revolutionary War.
Grave Marker Identifying the Resting Place for Ft. Laurens unknown soldiers
Fort Laurens is the only Revolutionary War Fort which existing in now Ohio. This outpost was on the edge of the western expansion into the then Ohio territory.
Map of Present Day Ohio with Fort Laurens identified
To learn more about the history of Fort Laurens, please read the separate blog article which shares many more details:
https://cincinnatisar.org/fort-laurens-ohios-only-revolutionary-war-fort-special-events/
SAR Descriptive Sign provides background on the Tomb
On this Friday July 26th 2024, Color Guard members from across the state of Ohio joined to perform an event which mimics the Arlington Cemetery “Unknown Soldier” ceremony.
There is a tomb which lies unidentified soldiers who perished on a fateful winter day outside the walls of Ft Lauren.
Color Guard members surround the flags
These Color Guard members took 15 minute shifts to mark and guard this tomb. The continuous event had the tomb guarded continuously from 9:00 am until 3:15 pm with a closing ceremony at the end. There were 11 different members who took part in these 15 minute shifts.
Color Guard commander Bob Hill tips his hat in memory of the unknown soldiers
Scott Freeman, President of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution participated in the Tomb Guarding. Also representing Cincinnati were Jack Bredenfoerder, Mike Gunn, and Gary Duffield. Kathy Freeman gratefully pitched in with photographing the days events.
Friday Color Guard Participants
For those new to this ceremony, the Relief Commanders of the Color Guard were Bob Hill and Tom Hankins. They were very supportive and were excellent mentors to the new (and experienced) Color Guard participants. If you are interested in participating in future events, you will receive proper instruction and you will have very forgiving teachers.
Scott Freeman with Thomas Hankins
Ten other Ohio Society Patriots served as sentinels throughout the day, plus Commander Bob Hill guarded for one shift.
Bob Hill (white uniform) with Scott Freeman in front of the Unknown Tomb
At the end of the days events, there was a ceremonial musket firing, followed by the time honored “mourn arms” with a moment of silence for all former patriots.
Color Guard Members perform a musket salute
Color Guard Members display “Mourn Arms” salute to patriots
It was an enjoyable day, including getting to know fellow OHSSAR compatriots better while off duty. The time passed quickly, the weather was very pleasant for this time of year, and it was a great honor to participate.
CCSAR President Scott Freeman on watch
The address of Fort Laurens is: 11067 Fort Laurens Rd NW, Bolivar, OH 44612
Changing of the Guard
Thanks to the organizers of this event, kudos to the Color Guard Commanders who provided direction to the participants and certainly the Color Guard participants who took part in this heartwarming event.
