On Tuesday June 17th on a fortunately cooler day, there was a statue dedication of Dr. Joseph Warren in Lebanon Ohio.
Battle Scene of the Battle of Bunker Hill with the mortally wounding of Dr. Joseph Warren depicted
Members of the Color Guards from all over Ohio ventured down to Warren County to the quaint and historic town of Lebanon, Ohio in Southwest Ohio.
The county is named after Major General Doctor Joseph Warren, an early hero of the American Revolution who was killed at the Battle of Bunker-Breed’s Hill.
Statue Unveiling of Dr. Joseph Warren – program
Our combined SAR Color Guard would play a big role in the ceremony dedicating a new bronze statue to Dr. Warren on the 250th Anniversary of his death and the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Bronze Statue of Dr. Joseph Warren, Revolutionary War founder and namesake of Warren County Ohio
This combined Color Guard had members mostly from the Cincinnati Chapter, the Richard Montgomery Chapter, and individuals from the German Society, the Highlander Chapter, the Centennial Chapter, and Hocking Valley Chapter. Ohio SAR President David Lupien was present at this event.
Combined Ohio SAR Color Guard members
Dr. Warren is a lesser-known patriot hero of the Revolution because he was killed not long after it began only a few months after the opening shots at Lexington-Concord. But make no mistake, this man, a skilled doctor and Harvard graduate, was an ardent patriot and founding father. He organized the Sons of Liberty around Boston and was the one who gave the go-ahead to Paul Revere and William Dawes to warn the militia about the British movements out of Boston on that fateful night of April 18th, 1775.
Dr. Warren was a Major General of the Massachusetts Militia at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17th, 1775 (most of the entrenchments and fighting actually took place on Breed’s Hill nearby), and he chose to fight as a private soldier instead of as an officer. The British took the entrenchments on their third attack, badly bloodied with 1,100 casualties. The patriots retreated only when their powder ran out and suffered about 450 casualties. Dr. Warren was killed when shot by a musket ball to the head as he was rallying his men during the last British assault. He was only 34 years old.
The Color Guard was on the march and posted the colors to start the event. The Color Guard was commanded by Bob Hill. A special touch was the participation of SAR Fifer Rob Pruitt who played historical ceremonial music to complement the show of Revolutionary War militia and military uniforms.
Color Guard Commander Bob Hill has Color Guard perform musket safety check
We had three columns with the National Colors and Betsy Ross flag with two musket men in the first column, all other flags in the second column, and four musket men in the third column.
Color Guard three abreast, waiting for commands to march
The Color Guard marched down the street for the crowd and halted parallel to the steps up to the museum, statue, and lectern. I yelled “To the Right, Face! Form line by column, To the front, March!”
Hi ho, hi ho, its up the steps the Color Guard goes to meet with Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Jerry Ferris (top of stairs)
The crowd separated like Moses parting the Red Sea, as our Colors made their way up the steps and in position, presented, to be honored with the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, and then posted. We never tire of honoring our flag.
Flags posted and the Color Guard at attention
Fortunately the rain held out, however it was extremely warm and humid. Those wool uniforms made the time very hot!
There was a very good turnout of SAR, DAR, local officials and the general public. We made a great impression and performed admirably.
There was a great turnout by the public to this event
SAR Fifer Rob Pruitt added to the period ambiance with his music.
Color Guard led by Commander Bob Hill and Fifer Rob Pruitt
We had a good number of muskets for the musket salute – Boom! Boom! Boom!
Color Guard fires off a ceremonial musket volley salute to honor our fallen patriots in arms
A young lady named Taylor Campbell sang the National Anthem and also sang “America the Beautiful” and “Amazing Grace”. Her voice was angelic.
The Emcee for most of the program was a former Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps Jerry Ferris (Veterans Service Commissioner). He was also a combat veteran of the Vietnam War and Purple Heart recipient, a very nice and patriotic man in his 70’s who still looked super sharp in his Marine Dress Blues.
Compatriot Mike Gunn of the Cincinnati Chapter had a nice display of Revolutionary War artifacts and replicas in the Harmon Museum, the location of this dedication.
Inside exhibit of American Revolutionary War memorabilia
The Cincinnati Chapter set up a tent in the back of the building with many posters and additional information about the Sons of the American Revolution. Guests could ask questions at both of the exhibits to learn more about Dr. Warren and the SAR.
More Revolutionary War artifacts on display and available for public viewing and questions
Members were invited to participate in a special luncheon at the nearby Golden Lamb Restaurant. This historic landmark serves terrific food and offers lodging as well in the well preserved rooms and ambiance. Special thanks to Robin Kiley who organized the event and was very grateful for the participation of our Ohio Color Guard.
Historic Golden Lamb in downtown Lebanon which hosted a luncheon for participants after the event
Again, the SAR was honored to participate and recognize Dr. Joseph Warren for his service to our fledgling country and as the namesake for Warren County Ohio.
Thanks to all the organizers and participants for a terrific event!
