On July 4th, 2024, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution took time to honor Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Washington Park

Commemorative Wreaths of Many Organizations Honor those Fallen Patriots.

The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution revived the concept of finding then marking Revolutionary War Patriot’s grave sites 10 years ago.

SAR Color Guard marches toward the podium to Post the Colors

Color Guard Posts Colors

Since then,  we’ve presented 75 ceremonies, honoring 186 Patriots and marking their grave sites in the four counties of southwestern Ohio.

SAR Tent Displays Betsy Ross and SAR 250th Anniversary Flags

We join many other chapters of SAR & DAR through-out Ohio with similarly active programs, all moving to honor their Patriot Ancestors.

Mike Gunn with DAR representatives

The efforts of Mike Gunn and other SAR compatriots has identified 1133 patriots in the 4 counties covered by the Cincinnati SAR; Hamilton, Clermont, Warren and Butler Counties.

Mike Gunn speaks to the assembled participants

To commemorate the 250th anniversary (1776 – 2026) of Independence Day, the Cincinnati SAR began one of our 250th Event Programs last year on Independence Day July 4th 2023.

Cincinnati SAR President Scott Freeman speaks to the crowd with Mike Gunn looking on

Gregg Ballman, former Cincinnati SAR Chapter President speaks to audience

Cincinnati DAR Regent Monica Mohlenkamp addresses the gathering

These events have and will take place in Washington Park on Elm Street just across the street from Memorial Hall in downtown Cincinnati.

Commemorative Marker placed in Washington Park – downtown Cincinnati to recognize Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Hamilton County Ohio

Within Memorial Hall, on the 2nd floor, is a 8 X 12 foot bronze plaque with the names of over 200 Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Hamilton County. An additional 55 patriots burial sites are unknown in Hamilton County.

Plaque in Memorial Hall displaying the names of 255 Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Hamilton County Ohio

However, both the Cincinnati Chapter SAR and the Historians at the Cincinnati/Hamilton County believe many of those were originally interred at one of the two Cemeteries which are now Defunct and under the thick layer of soil place on top of the Christ Episcopal Cemetery on the East of the Park and the Presbyterian Cemetery on the West side of Washington Park.   Unfortunately, there are no existing records identifying any of those buried there.

SAR Color Guard stands at attention

Therefore, on July 4, 2023 we began marking Five (5) of the 55 accompanied by a Ceremony where members of the public, Members of local DAR and SAR participate in a brief history overview of the western move to Ohio by these Patriots.

German Society President and Cincinnati Vice President Bruce Bennett presents a commemorative wreath

Moving forward, ceremonies will continue with additional City Permits to enable events on each Patriots Day (April 19), Independence Day and Veterans Day until the 250th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence where all remaining of the 55 will be honored.

Color Guard performs a ceremonial musket salute to honor fallen Patriots

Color Guard performs ceremonial “mourn arms” pose to honor all fallen Patriots

We join 3CDC in welcoming the public to attend and join in with the dedication of these Patriots.  We celebrated the dedication of another five (5) Patriots with 30 members of SAR & DAR and about 15 members of the public.

The patriots honored on July 4th 2024 are:

• Jeremiah Burrows (1752-1834) –  Served as Sgt, Queen Anne’s Co., MD Militia
• Anderson Hipsher (1763-1833) –  Served with VA under Col. Edwards
• Lafler, John (1750-1822) –  Served with 1st NY Regiment
• Larew, Abraham (1755-1840) –  Served with VA under Col. Febinger’s VA Regiment
• Leming, Samuel (1753-1834) –  Served in VA Regiment

Thank you to all who participated including SAR, DAR and members of the community and public.

Color Guard members at ease

Honoring these patriots is the legacy all of us hope we can live for.

Chapter Chaplain Gordon Stokely leads the audience in prayer

Taps was played to close the event