On July 4th, the Hopewell Chapter of the DAR held a Grave Marking Ceremony at Brookside Cemetery in West Chester, OH to honor Patriot John Beckett, his wife, and his daughter who are buried there.
Tombstone of Patriot John Beckett
George Stewart presented a Cincinnati Chapter wreath and provided a musket salute along with Bob Hill, Commander of the Ohio Society Color Guard. Also attending was CCSAR member Randy Cech. Compatriot Ted Autore, a Color Guard member from The Richard Montgomery SAR Chapter (Dayton area), was also there and assisted in the ceremony.
Combined DAR and SAR participants at the grave marking event
This event occurred at the same time as the Cincinnati Chapter’s July 4th event, but we are glad that George helped the DAR chapter and for the SAR to have a presence.
Beautiful tribute memorial to John Beckett and family members
This was their first Daughters of the American Revolution chapter grave marking. It was elegant and well done. Estimates of fifty people attended the event.
George Stewart (l) and Bob Hill (r) present wreaths on the memorial to Patriots
Afterwards George Stewart and Bob Hill answered so many questions, that they felt like they were making presentations at the grave site.
Five ancestors of those honored traveled from Illinois to the event.
Commander Hill was at his best leading the Color Guard and the musket salute.
The Color Guard performed a three shot musket salute
A number of attendees approached Bob Hill and George Stewart afterwards and wanted to know how long we practiced together. That every movement was in sequence and so perfect.
The Hopewell Chapter DAR was so appreciative of us being there and adding something to their ceremony. Bob and George certainly gained the fancy of these DAR members with their participation.
The SAR is pleased to have been able to participate in the local DAR chapter’s first grave marking event. It was certainly a success!
