On April 19, 2025, the Cincinnati Chapter hosted a ceremony at Washington Park in downtown Cincinnati that commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the shot heard around the world, and the start of the Revolutionary War.
Combined SAR DAR participants at today’s event
This also served as sixth in a series of Grave Marking Ceremonies at Washington Park to honor five more of the Revolutionary War Patriots listed on 8′ x 12′ Bronze Plaque across the street in Memorial Hall.
Color Guard marching to post colors
The series of grave markings in Washington Park started July 4, 2023, and is planned to continue through July 4, 2026, with events occurring July 4th, Patriots Day, and Veterans Day.There was a good turnout. Sincere thanks to all who came out on Easter weekend under a slight threat of rain to commemorate the most significant 250th Anniversary event of this year.
Gregg Ballman addresses the crowd with Mike Gunn
To start the ceremony, “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” was performed by Carter Allen, a junior at Sycamore High School and a member of the Sycamore Aves Select Choir.
Sycamore High School Carter Allen fills the air with song
Musician turned warrior!
A Proclamation of the 250th Anniversary of the Battles at Lexington and Concord issued by Darryl S. Addington, President General of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution was read by Cincinnati Chapter President Scott Freeman.
Scott Freeman reads the National SAR – Proclamation of the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord
Dr. Michael Gunn spoke of the events that occurred April 19, 1775.
Mike Gunn shares the history of the historic days in Lexington Concord
Carter Allen then sang “The Concord Hymn”, a poem/song written by Ralph Waldo Emerson for the dedication of a battlefield monument at Concord in 1837. This is the poem that first coined the phrase “The shot heard around the world.” Carter also performed the National Anthem. Carter’s solo, a cappella performances enhanced the Patriotic event and were greatly appreciated.
Color Guard at attention with flags waving in slight breeze
The five Patriots honored at this event were:
- Morgan, Jacob (1758-1836) 3rd MA Regt, SAR Patriot No. 252219
- Pack, William (1758-1838) MD Militia “Flying Camp”, SAR Patriot No. 264277
- Parker, John (1754-1835) NJ Soldier, SAR Patriot No. 264360
- Parsons, Osborn (1763-1827) CT Regt & at James Isl. , SAR Patriot No. 266224
- Van Cleve, John (1749-1791) NJ Monmouth Co., Mil. , SAR Patriot No. 309332
Two DAR members who are descendants of John Van Cleve were present and recognized at the event.
Monica Mohlenkamp, Regent of the Cincinnati Chapter DAR, extended greetings, and several DAR chapters presented wreaths.
DAR participants from various chapters around Cincinnati Tri-State
SAR members who participated in the Nolan Carson Color Guard or in colonial uniform or attire were:
- Gregg Ballman
- Michael Blum
- Jason Bourgeois
- Bob Bowers
- Doug Carver
- Nathan Chester
- Steve Conrad (Hocking Valley Chapter)
- Clay Crandall
- Gary Duffield (Highlanders Chapter, Dual CCSAR member)
- Scott Freeman
- Michael Gunn
- Vince McGeehan
- George Stewart
SAR members in civilian attire were:
- Douglas Bates
- Bruce Bennett (Simon Kenton Chapter KY, Dual CCSAR member)
- Jack Bredenfoerder
- Kenny Burck
- Larry Collins
- Paul George
- Stephen McClanahan
The Nolan Carson Color Guard performed a musket salute, followed by a Mourn Arms display to honor all veterans who have sacrificed the ultimate for our great country.
Musket Salute performed by Color Guard
Ceremonial “mourn arms” display by the Color Guard
Larry Collins concluded the ceremony with taps on the bugle.
Larry Collins plays a charged taps to conclude the ceremony
This was a beautiful ceremony and each event brings us closer to the July 4th 2026 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Cincinnati SAR tent and display of posters and membership information for the curious
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!!!
