The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution participated in a chapter Color Guard Patriot Grave Marking event that will be held on Venice Cemetery, 4213 Layhigh Road, Fairfield OH 45014, at 1 pm on Sat. May 9th.
The ceremony honored all patriots buried in Butler County, especially the four buried in Venice Cemetery (and including one who survived the Lochry Massacre in 1781).
The event got much coverage with an estimated 300 visitors, SAR, DAR participants present. Yes, three-hundred visitors and members.
Great Turnout of the Public for this event!
The graves of many Revolutionary War soldiers who fought to win the country’s independence have gone unmarked or been lost. Our organization goal is to recognize all Revolutionary War Patriots buried in our area.
Story Highlights: History has not been kind to the graves of the soldiers of the American Revolution. Untold veterans who fought for this country’s independence lie in unmarked graves. Some have been lost entirely. But not in Ross Township where a few of these veterans secured land in the early 1800’s and raised their children in land where they crossed with their Captors after the Massacre on the Ohio River near the mouth of the Great Miami River in 1782.
There were multiple organizations present, many published photos on their social media pages. A few are captured below:
This event became front-page news on the Ross High School Band Website. A photo of their fife and drum player with our Sons of the American Revolution – Color Guard celebrating the event.
https://www.rossbandofclass.com/
The following are a number of photos and press coverage for the event:
- Ross Twp Historical Society Facebook –
- Ross Twp. Police Dept. Facebook –
- Jennifer Gross State Representative Facebook –
- Michael Ryan for Butler County Commissioner Facebook
- Gregg Burnett Photography Facebook
Possibly aside from national events at a battlefield site, with all the elements, it was the largest and best grave marking and monument dedication event our chapter has been involved with. There was a tremendous local and public attendance and participation, and the most descendants present.
Mike Gunn of the Cincinnati Chapter of the SAR was the Emcee for the event.
Brad Jarard of the Cincinnati Chapter of the SAR gave a historical presentation which the crowd provided much enthusiasm.
It was gratifying so see the newly acquired cannon fired in public for the first time after eight months of repair, restoration, procurement of supplies and material needed, testing, training, and acquisition of insurance.
A video of the cannon firing is below:
Included is a copy of the program as it existed on the day of the event and a copy of the Letter of Recognition from the Ohio General Assembly given to the Cincinnati Chapter by Representative Jennifer Gross of House District 45.
The event was highlighted by cannon firing, timed in sequence by a helicopter flyover. Pretty awesome!
Our Color Guard did a musket salute and performed admirably.
Gregg Ballman performed a remembrance for those heroes who are Missing In Action. This is a very moving experience. A video is below:
Muskets at rest!
There were many ceremonial wreaths placed at the monument:
This was a terrific event with outstanding participation by the SAR, DAR and many community leaders, descendants of these honored patriots. The outpouring of support by the public was an awesome contribution for this event.
Until next year!
Huzzah!!
