Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony and Luncheon – Joint Event with Cincinnati SAR and John Reily Chapter DAR

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.

Participants for the DAR SAR Veterans Day Ceremony

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.

Marlene Vastine from DAR welcomes participants

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.

Cincinnati SAR members in attendance

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.

Cincinnati SAR Color Guard Posting Flags
Historic Flag presentation of the Howard Miller Collection

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. 

We were treated throughout the event by the wonderful music by the Miami University Men’s Choir
Ohio SAR Chaplain Dr. Edward Bonniwell led Invocation

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.”

Empty table recognizes POW and MIA not with us today

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.

Major Edward Burke accepts a Proclamation from Cincinnati SAR

This was followed by the DAR Presentations of Appreciation, then a delicious luncheon was served.

Grace was shared prior to lunch and more fellowship

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”.

Inscription on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Virginia
Patriots and Heroes not with us today

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

Cincinnati SAR Color Guard in mourning for lost patriots

Other Cincinnati SAR attendees included Lee Wilkerson, Larry Collins, Bob Bowers, Gordon Stokely, Bruce Bennett, Jim Crane, Tim Madden and John Cocanougher.

Cincinnati SAR Participants with Congressman Davidson
DAR Participants with Congressman Davidson
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