On Monday November 11th, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution participated in a Patriot Grave Marking ceremony in Washington Park, Downtown Cincinnati.

This day was also Veterans Day so a double tribute to those who have served our country.

The Cincinnati SAR revived the concept of marking Revolutionary War Patriot’s grave sites 10 years ago.  Since then, we’ve presented 76 ceremonies, honoring 191 Patriots prior to today’s event.

We join many other chapters of SAR & DAR through-out Ohio with similarly active programs, all moving to eventually honoring their Patriot Ancestors.

Currently, there are 7,230 Patriots currently known in Ohio, all of whom are documented in the Ohio SAR Graves Registry.

For the four counties covered by the Cincinnati Chapter of the SAR, there are 1,133 Patriots identified.

To start the event on Monday, the Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard posted the colors.

There was a presentation by Mike Gunn, our Grave Marking Committee Chairman to honor the five additional Patriots who are buried in Hamilton County.  This day is part of a series of events honoring the 55 Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Hamilton County, many in Washington Park.

The event was in Washington Park which was the location for cemeteries until the mid 1800’s when the City of Cincinnati decided to convert the land into a city park.

That led to two defunct Cemeteries that would have held the remains of Patriots from the Revolutionary War; including the cemeteries at Christ Episcopal on the East side & the 12^th Street/Presbyterian on the West side.

During the services, there was also recognition of Veterans Day.

These Grave Marking events will continue to July 4th, 2026 to honor the remaining Patriots who are known to have been buried in Washington Park and other locations in the Greater Cincinnati area.  July 4th 2026 also the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Today, the following five Patriots were honored in this ceremony:

Patriots honored today – dedication at the granite Memorial that honors Revolutionary Patriots buried on these hallowed grounds:

• William Lemond P-235386(1754-1827) Pennsylvania Rifle Company.
• Isaac Lewis P-235941 (1755-1837) Massachusetts Line at Boston.
• Peter Lynch P-240023 (1754-1829) 5^th & 9^th Regiments with Wayne.
• Moses Maddock P-240598 (1752-1826) PA Line & Sgt. NJ Regiment
• Robert McCullough P-245970  (1753-1820) NJ Artillery & 2nd Regimental Light Dragoons

The Emcee for the event was Dr. Michael Gunn who is the Grave Marking Chairman for the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

The Nolan Carson Color Guard was led by Jason Bourgeois, who posted the colors to start the event.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mike Gunn.

Jack Bredenfoerder led the participants in the singing of the National Anthem.

The Invocation was led by Chaplain Gordon Stokely followed by the Cincinnati DAR Regent Monica Mohlenkamp.

There was a re-dedication of the monument with Nathan Chester revealing the marker.

Mike Gunn discussed the history of Washington Park and the CCSAR efforts to honor the Patriots who called the Cincinnati area home. 

Larry Collins announced the five Patriots honored on this day, followed by wreaths being placed on the monument.

Cincinnati SAR Chapter Scott Freeman led a presentation to honor Veterans.

The Color Guard performed a three volley musket salute, followed by the respectful mourning of arms.

Taps was played by Larry Collins.

To conclude the ceremony, Michael Brooks played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.

Thanks to all who participated in this wonderful event.