On a crisp sunny morning on Saturday April 20th, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution sponsored a re dedication of five Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Hamilton County.
Grave marker in Washington Park commemorating the 55 Revolutionary War Patriots buried here
These five are part of a group of fifty-five Patriots being recognized in the time leading up to the 250th bicentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.
Five Betsy Ross flags mark the lives of the five Revolutionary War Patriots we honored today
The five patriots honored today include:
- Ephraim Buell (b 1741 d 1820) – served as a Captain with Vermont
- James Hillyer (1761-1846) – served with New Jersey under Col. Hyer
- Matthew M. Jackson (1763-1823) – served as a fifer in MA and CT regiments
- Jacob C. Kern (1742-1793) – served with Berks County Pennsylvania Militia
- Thomas Lacy (1758-1835) – served with the New Jersey Line
The event started with Gordon Stokley sharing the invocation.
Gordon Stokley performed opening Invocation and Benediction
The Nolan Carson Color Guard led by Robert Bowers presented and posted the colors.
Color Guard posting colors
Nathan Chester led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
Recent member Nathan Chester taking some Color Guard lessons from Ohio Color Guard Commander Bob Hill
Jack Bredenfoerder led with the singing of the National Anthem.
Jack Bredenfoerder sings National Anthem
Mike Blum led the SAR members in the SAR pledge.
Mike Blum honoring Revolutionary War Patriots
Combined SAR / DAR participants – front row L to R – Larry Collins, Nathan Chester, Chris Canine (KY), Mike Gunn, Patrick Wesolosky (KY), Donna Vanover – DAR, Debra Niehaus – DAR Back Row L to R – Gordon Stokley, Bob Hill, Steve Conrad, Bob Bowers, Gary Duffield, Mike Blum, Tim Madden, Alan Gummere, George Stewart, Gregg Ballman, John Canine (KY) and Jack Bredenfoerder
Mike Gunn was the emcee and organizer for this event. Mike introduced the guests and recognized the SAR/DAR dignitaries at the event.
Emcee and Grave Marking Chairman Mike Gunn speaks to crowd
Greg Ballman and Gary Duffield unveiled the marker which commemorates the patriots buried in the Washington Park cemetery, which is now a park.
Greg Ballman Marker Dedication
Mike Gunn read a brief intro to each of the patriots being honored.
Mike Gunn recognizes the five Patriots honored today
Various SAR/DAR groups proceeded to dedicate wreaths.
Germany Society members (L to R) Larry Collins, Jack Bredenfoerder, Mike Blum, Mike Gunn, Gary Duffield, Bruce Bennett
DAR Groups in Attendance
Numerous wreaths representing many chapters of SAR and DAR flank the memorial grave marker.
The Color Guard led by Color Guard Commander Bob Bowers, proceeded to perform a three volley Flintlock “Firelock” salute, followed by a respectful “mourn arms” pose.
Cincinnati Color Guard Commander Bob Bowers keeps us safe and looking sharp
Nolan Carson Color Guard performing a three volley musket salute
Musket Salute with Flag floating in breeze
Color Guard Members perform a ceremonial “Mourn Arms” pose after the Musket Salute
Larry Collins performed a fine taps which sounded sweet in the cool spring morning air.
Larry Collins plays taps while Color Guard Mourn Arms
There were many representatives from SAR chapters from Cincinnati area, Columbus, Northern Kentucky, Indiana and Lexington Kentucky on hand for this event.
Patrick and Marika Wesolosky – Lexington KY enjoying the days activities
Benjamin Franklin (Central Ohio) SAR member Steve Conrad looking sharp and official
Ever Faithful Participants – Chris Canine – KY and Allen Manning – IN
Surrounding SAR / DAR participants in today’s event
At ease are Cincinnati SAR members (L to R) are Mike Blum, Gary Duffield and Jack Bredenfoerder
The event was concluded by a benediction performed by Chaplain Gordon Stokely.
Gordon Stokley performed opening Invocation and Benediction
There was plenty of photo taking after the ceremony and catching up.
SAR participants awaiting the start of the days festivities
Cincinnati SAR President looks on approvingly for a terrific event
All in all a wonderful tribute to these five Revolutionary War patriots.
