On Saturday February 18th, 2023, there was a President’s Day Celebration held which hosted the remarkable Martha Washington, the true first lady of our country.

DAR Regent Monica Mohlenkamp with First Lady Martha Washington and Cincinnati SAR President George Stewart
This fabulous event was hosted by the Cincinnati Women’s Club which is a wonderful venue and treasure within the Cincinnati area. It was a beautiful February day here in Ohio and fitting for such a spectacular event.
Three groups Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Children of the American Revolution (CAR) came together to put on an outstanding program.
Ed Bonniwell, Chaplain of the Cincinnati SAR led the group with the invocation and blessing.
Presentation of the Colors was executed by the Cincinnati SAR – Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard. Members of this team were dressed smartly in uniforms typical of the 1776 contest.
Followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.
Monica Mohlenkamp from Cincinnati Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) introduced members of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR) as well as President George Stewart, Jr. of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (CCSAR).
A tasty lunch was served which was complete with much discussion and communication.
The jewel of the event was the special guest, the true first lady of our new country, Martha Washington. Ms. Washington spoke about her life before and during her marriage to George Washington. Her background and life experiences prepared her well for serving as the Presidents right arm and strongest supporter. We are grateful she could bless us with her participation.

Lady Washington discusses her upbringing, her first marriage and her courtship with George Washington
President George Stewart awarded past Cincinnati and Ohio Society SAR president James D. Schaffer with a distinguished service award.

Cincinnati SAR President George Stewart presents Distinguished Service Award to former Cincinnati and State of Ohio SAR president James Schaffer
George also commented on the degree of cooperation between the SAR and DAR and he expressed optimism for further partnering on upcoming events.
There were multiple Cincinnati area DAR chapters participating in this event. Many were dressed in period attire as were members of the Cincinnati SAR. Also members of the local CAR chapter were present and dressed historically.
CAR member Riley Wilkerson, a fifteen year old student from Ross High School participated and addressed the attendees. Other CAR members were dressed in period attire as well.

Cincinnati and State of Ohio SAR Treasurer Michael Blue with his daughter who is a member of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR)
At the conclusion of the event, the Cincinnati SAR Color Guard retired the colors, followed by Chaplain Ed Bonniwell – CCSAR who wished all the attendees with safe travels and said the closing prayer.
This was the conclusion of a terrific event!
We welcome all members of all these three organizations to participate in upcoming events. Our common purpose lends itself to working together to enhance our programs and missions to spread the experiences of our patriot forefathers to the new country where individual freedoms were a cornerstone of the cause for these United States of America.
To our common purpose!
Note that the 250th Anniversary of the start of the conflict is coming up and many remembrance events are upcoming for this in 2026. If you would like to help with many of the upcoming events please reach out to your respective chapter leadership to learn more.