Saturday September 14th was a really special event for our Chapter.
13 stripes, seven red, six blue are the foundation for the Thirteen stars of the original colonies which formed the United States of America
Members of the SAR and DAR came together in a special luncheon program hosted by the SAR which honored multiple events.
The title of our event is Constitution Day, however we were please to celebrate and honor three separate events:
- Constitution Day (September 17th, 2024)
- 250th Anniversary of the First Continental Congress (September 5th to October 26th, 1774)
- Honoring of our Veterans
This event was held in the splendid Cincinnati Women’s Club in near central Cincinnati.
Cincinnati SAR Chapter President Scott Freeman leads the meeting
The Nolan Carson Color Guard opened the program with the posting of the flags / colors.
Color Guard Posting Colors (Flags)
Cincinnati SAR Color Guard members from left to right, Tim Madden, Jerry Knight, Bob Bowers, Clay Crandall and Ed Bonniwell
Dr. Ed Bonniwell provided us an opening and closing prayer to inspire us and bless the food and participants of the day.
Dr. Ed Bonniwell (L) shares an opening and closing prayer with our participants
First Continental Congress – we were treated to two speakers, the first was the Cincinnati SAR President who shared a presentation on the history and conclusion of the First Continental Congress. This event was a significant one as it was the first time that the majority of the colonies agreed and understood they must work together as a unified body to stand up to the British.
For you history lovers, Scott’s presentation is attached below:
Presentation – First Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention
The second speaker was Frank Wetenkamp a World War II veteran who saw active duty in the Philippines. Frank share the story of the efforts to free American Prisoners of War from the Japanese prior to them evacuating their locations. The Japanese were known to have executed prisoners of war prior to them leaving their locations. Frank also told of the tenuous balancing act between the Americans, the Communists and Filipino guerillas during the last days of the war. Frank is an inspiration and a true American hero. We are grateful for his service and proud of him as an American and serviceman.
George Stewart introduces Frank Wetenkamp as the guest speaker
WWII Veteran Frank Wetenkamp shares his active service experience in the Philippine islands
Cincinnati SAR President Scott Freeman presents a Certificate of Appreciation and a SAR America 250th pin to guest speaker Frank Wetenkamp
Veterans Day – to honor our veterans, Cincinnati Chapter 2nd VP and Chairman of the Veterans Committee Clay Crandall led the participants in the missing soldier / POW / MIA ceremony which is very moving.
Cincinnati SAR Veterans Committee Chairman Clay Crandall shares the ceremony to honor POW and MIA service men and women
Constitution Day – the headline of the event is celebration of the signing of the Constitution by the majority of the states that occurred on September 17th 2024.
Cincinnati SAR member Jason Bourgeois received a Patriot Grave Marking Certificate from Cincinnati President Scott Freeman.
Cincinnati SAR member Jason Bourgeois is presented a Grave Marking Certificate & Medal
A wonderful meal was served by a very charming catering staff.
There were numerous Daughters of the American Revolution representatives on hand and we are grateful to George Stewart and his efforts to host more events where DAR and SAR members jointly participate. Note … it is working and we are glad to see them!
There were fifty-seven attendees at the luncheon including SAR Central District VP General, Wayne Eells (from Indiana).
Wayne Eells with Frank Wetenkamp
Also participating was the President and members of the SAR Simon Kenton Chapter in Kentucky. The DAR had two Chapter Regents and members from five local DAR chapters. There were sixteen members of CCSAR present.
Frank Wetenkamp is flanked by DAR members Monica Mohlenkamp and her daughter, with George Stewart (L)
It was a wonderful day of fellowship, recognizing each other, celebrating our past and having ongoing hope for our future.
Many thanks to Cincinnati SAR 1st Vice President Bruce Bennett and Kathy Freeman who stand behind the camera to provide us these great pics.
We are grateful!
We are blessed!
