On a drizzly Saturday afternoon on October 21st, 2023 in the Myers Cemetery in Goshen Ohio members of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) hosted a Patriot Grave Marking event. The weather may have dampened our attire, however never our spirit.
One of the five Patriots we honored today. At each of the five marked graves the SAR installed a new granite marker
The event was coordinated around a meeting of the Central District SAR representing the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. Many respective chapter members and dignitaries of these states participated in and were recognized at the event.
Guests of the Goshen Grave Marking Event
We were honored to have the President General John L Dodd of the National SAR participate in the Central District events on Saturday. He addressed and inspected the Color Guard participants at the start of the event.
National SAR President General John Dodd addresses the gathering with opening comments
President General Dodd inspects the Color Guard prior to posting colors to start the event
The event started with the posting of national, local and chapter colors.
Multi State Color Guard Members post the colors to start the formal event
Commander Hill leads the Color Guard to start the event
The sizable Color Guard team on the march to start the event
The pledge of allegiance was shared, Cincinnati’s Jack Bredenfoerder sang and led the audience in the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, followed by the SAR pledge.
Color Guard at attention
Mike Gunn of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (CCSAR) was the organizer and emcee for the activities of the day.
Master of Ceremonies – Mike Gunn addresses the gathered crowd
Lee Wilkerson of CCSAR and the Central District introduced the crowd to the six Patriots buried in the Myers Cemetery. Lee spoke of their service, their birth and death dates and shared what we know about these patriots lives. Note that five of the six we are aware of their respective graves. Unfortunately, the sixth patriot’s grave marker is unknown, however we are certain his remains are interred in the cemetery.
Compatriot Lee Wilkerson shares with the crowd the names, background and service provided. Scott Freeman acknowledges their memory with a bell.
In attendance were members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as well as the Children of the American Revolution (CAR). Both these groups have the same membership requirements as the SAR and are linked in many ways by the same ancestors. Mike Gunn did an excellent job of recognizing the attendees and their organizations.
SAR Representatives assemble for a group photo
PG John Dodd and Mike Gunn with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) members who participated
The main part of the event was the unveiling of SAR granite markers at the base of each of these patriots graves. These patriots graves will be identified, the GPS coordinates of each entered into the SAR database of patriot grave locations, captured for all family ancestors to locate.
Steve Hinson, Central District SAR President address the assembled crowd
Another significant part of the event was the presentation of ceremonial wreaths from the many SAR, DAR, CAR and local civic groups who participated in this event. This staple of SAR Grave Markings is to recognize all individuals who contributed patriotic service to our nation of free individuals.
Display of flags and wreaths provide a palette of color for the event
Participants look on during the ceremony
Another view of the participants to this ceremony
There was a three round musket volley performed by the members of the Color Guard. Upon completion of the volleys, the Color Guard executed the “Mourn Arms” pose to quietly honor those we recognized today and for all others who we have lost.
Color Guard Musket Volley – three volleys were fired to recognize the memories of these six Patriots
Color Guard Members hold the “mourning arms” pose to remember the Patriots honored today and for all time
Taps was played and completed the days events.
Taps concluded today’s ceremony
An awesome event, extremely well planned and very well executed.
Thanks for your participation!
Program – Goshen Grave Marking Event – 10/21/2023
To see an excellent video of the event, click on the below link to be taken to a Facebook video produced by Alan See:
