At 11:00 AM on November 13, 2021 there was a gathering of around 100 in the Windamere Event Venue and Art Gallery on Main Street in Middletown, OH.
The occasion was to attend the John Reily Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) “Call to Honor – Memorial Celebration” and 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
To support this Veterans Day Ceremony, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) responded with a number of members, many in period uniforms.
The Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard of the Cincinnati SAR posted Colors as well as lining the walls of the room with 50 historic flags from the Howard Miller Collection. These flags represent milestone events in the timeline and evolution of history of the United States of America.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Dr. Ed Bonniwell, the Ohio Society SAR Chaplain, led an Invocation. This was followed by everyone singing “America the Beautiful” – as was done 100 years ago at Arlington Cemetery at the unveiling of the Tomb of the Unknown Solder.
The Keynote Speaker was Congressman Warren Davidson, 8th Congressional District of Ohio. A former Army Ranger with an impressive military history and a Former Old Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He spoke eloquently and from his heart about his own experiences and of our military veterans service to these United States of America. The congressman was presented the Silver Good Citizenship Medal by the Ohio Sons of the American Revolution (OHSSAR).
Turner Lee Wilkerson, past President OHSSAR then presented our Tribute to the POW/MIA table set up at the rear of the hall. This tribute is to recognize soldiers who are missing and have not returned. “We have not forgotten them.”
Mr. Wilkerson then presented: SAR Veterans Medals to John Cocanougher & Dr. Chris McDow.
A very special proclamation award was presented to a true American Hero, Centenarian, Major Edward Arthur Burke, who served with distinction in WWI & WWII. Major Burke was highly decorated by the US and by a number of European countries. This was a very special moment.
This was followed by the DAR Presentations of Appreciation, then a delicious luncheon was served.
After lunch everyone stood for the playing of Taps by Cincinnati SAR – Gordon Stokely and a rousing rendition of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes by Gerry Kelly Fritsch.
Tim to update with photos of Bugle and Bagpipes
On the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in Arlington Cemetery, there is an inscription engraved in the stone recognizing the unknown lying within with the simple saying “Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God”.
The Cincinnati SAR attendees in Revolutionary War Uniforms who Posted, retired Colors, and mourned during Taps in reverence to our fallen Veterans. Were Brad Jarard – Commander, Michael Gunn, Jack Bredenfoerder, Clay Crandall, Ed Bonniwell, Michael Blum, Gerry Knight, George Stewart, and Gary Duffield
Other Cincinnati SAR attendees included Lee Wilkerson, Larry Collins, Bob Bowers, Gordon Stokely, Bruce Bennett, Jim Crane, Tim Madden and John Cocanougher.
