By Bob Bowers
Cincinnati Chapter Compatriot

The Cincinnati Chapter SAR and the Clough Valley Chapter NSDAR held a joint luncheon to celebrate Washington’s Birthday at the historic School House Restaurant and General Store, in Camp Dennison. In attendance were members of both chapters as well as guests from the John Reily, Turtle Creek, Oxford and Lima chapters of the NSDAR. Members of the American Legion and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Sister Anthony O’Connell Auxiliary, as well as Ohio Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War were also present.

This event was attended by approximately 80 patriots. The venue was filled to over flowing with every seat in the drawing room filled and people seated in the balcony and on the stairs for the proceedings!

The Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard opened the ceremony with the posting of the Colors. Cincinnati SAR First Vice President Kerry Langdon led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chaplain Rev. Ed Bonniwell offered the invocation. Vice President Langdon introduced dignitaries and guests and Secretary

Clay Crandall led the MIA-POW Remembrance ceremony.

Vice President Langdon recognized Past Chapter Presidents Jack Bredenfoerder, Mike Gunn, Past Chapter and Ohio President Jim Schaeffer, and President of the Highland Chapter Gary Duffield. He also thanked Gary for all his work on the Washington’s Birthday event and for stepping up to fill the shoes of Ken Carpenter in his work with the Highland Chapter following his passing.

Vice President Langdon and former Chapter President Mike Gunn inducted Ray Nagel and Robert Sturm as new Cincinnati SAR compatriots. Congratulations and welcome to compatriots Ray and Bob!

Chuck Rogers was presented with the Roger Sherman certificate and medal which was carried over from the from the annual awards banquet in December.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Mike Gunn, Dan Schmitz, Bob Bowers, Clay Crandall, Rev. Bonniwell, Mike Blum, and Wanda Langdon.

There were two event speakers. Clough Valley DAR Regent Wanda Langdon highlighted three women that served in the American Revolutionary War.

Compatriot Bob Bowers offered insights into the Battle of Brooklyn.

Cake and ice cream were served to celebrate the birthday of our first President and Commander in Chief, George Washington as members and guests mingled and got to know each other better.

For a variety of reasons the proceedings were running a bit late. Colors were retired in-place and the meeting was adjourned without further ado.

Thanks Gary for taking our photographs!