Independence Day Patriot Grave Marking

Washington Park, Cincinnati, OH
10 AM on Independence Day (July 4th), 2025

In attendance were 19 members of Sons of the American Revolution and 7 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  All were gathered at Washington Park, the site of two defunct cemeteries in downtown Cincinnati.

Combined SAR / DAR participants

The goal was to honor five Revolutionary War Patriots who were buried at unknown grave sites in Hamilton County, OH.

In addition, about 40 members of the public attended the ceremony progressed over the next hour.

The ceremony began with Emcee Michael Gunn introducing Cincinnati Chapter member Stephen McClanahan who gave a history presentation, “Forming the Continental Army”.

The Program then commenced with an Invocation by Chaplain Clayton Crandall;

The Nolan Carson Color Guard presented the colors with Jason Bourgeois, Commander.

Color Guard at attention

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Compatriot Paul George;

National Anthem was sung and led by David Freeman, OSU Chorus;

SAR members in attendance recited the SAR Pledge led by Mike Gunn;

Special Thanks to members of other SAR Chapters who participated in the event.  We appreciate their commitment and participation.

Cincinnati Chapter participants included:

SAR members in period Uniforms:

• Jason Bourgeois (Color Guard Commander)
• Gregg Ballman
• Michael Blum
• Ed Bonniwell
• Bob Bowers
• Nathan Chester
• Clay Crandall
• Gary Duffield (Dual Member)
• Scott Freeman
• Michael Gunn
• Steve McClanahan

SAR Members in Civilian Attire

• Bruce Bennett (Dual Member)
• Kenny Burck
• Larry Collins
• Paul George

SAR Color Guard Participants

Cincinnati SAR President Scott Freeman brought Greetings and a welcome to attendees.

Cincinnati Chapter President Scott Freeman

Cincinnati DAR Regent Monica Molenkamp introduced DAR members and gave greetings to all.

The program for the event is available via the link below:

2025 Independence Day Ceremony Program

This was followed at the SAR Marker revealed by the list of names for the five Patriots to be honored:

• Abijah Phelps,
• Abraham Pierson,
• Bethuel Riggs,
• John Richardson &
• David Pierson

Each of the Patriots birth/death and services were followed by the ring of a bell by Ken Burck.

Kenny Burck (l) and Emcee Mike Gunn (r) address participants

Wreaths were then presented, with each presenter accompanied by a Color Guard attendee.

Dedication of Wreaths

The Color Guard Commander then led eleven members in a three volley Musket Salute – followed by the “Mourn Arms” presentation.

Color Guard poses “advance arms” in preparation for musket volley

Larry Collins completed this part of the program by bugling TAPS.

Color Guard firing a musket volley – note the “flash in the pan”

Color Guard in “Mourn Arms” honoring past Patriots

The SAR Recessional and Benediction by Chaplain Crandall completed the ceremonies and Emcee declared the Finale.

We gathered for photographs and to catch up.

Huzzah!