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.
SAR, DAR and CAR Participants with Lady Martha Washington for a pose
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.
Cincinnati SAR Color Guard Members prepare to Post National Colors to start the event
Members of Cincinnati SAR enjoy some catching up
Cincinnati SAR Color Guard escort Lady Washington
Ed Bonniwell, Chaplain of the Cincinnati SAR led the group with the invocation and blessing.
Cincinnati SAR Chaplain Ed Bonniwell addresses the attendees in Prayer
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.
Cincinnati SAR and Lady Washington in the receiving line for incoming guests
Chaplain Ed Bonniwell enters room for the opening invocation and prayer
Followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem.
Cincinnati SAR posts colors
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).
Cincinnati DAR Regent Monica Mohlenkamp with opening remarks
A tasty lunch was served which was complete with much discussion and communication.
Good food and good company!
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.
George Stewart addresses the crowd
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.
Cincinnati SAR Color Guard with Lady Washington welcome guests to the event
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.
Chaplain Ed Bonniwell sends off the attendees with a prayer and thanks
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.
