On a special day in history, Saturday July 4th, 2026, which marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  This special day marked the beginning of the country which would soon and forever identified as the United States of America.

For the past couple of years, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, held ongoing memorials and dedications of those Revolutionary War Patriots who were buried in what is now Washington Park.

Our Grave Marking Chairman and former Chapter President Dr. Michael Gunn has been the champion of this project where over 150 Revolutionary War Patriots were known to be buried in this park area.  Mike has been tireless to make sure every one identified was honored with a Grave Marking ceremony.

The program for the days activities is provided below:

2026 Independence Day Ceremony Program

This Saturday marked the last of a series of these grave marking ceremonies.

The Patriots honored on this day included:

~ Williams, Benjamin (1758-1839) MD, Col. Adams Yorktown
P-320576
Willyard, Henry (1749-1830) 8th PA Regt w Col. Brodhead
P-321597
Wood, Levi (1757-1835) CT Regt & VT Ranger
P-323662
Moss, Daniel (1747-1843) CT Regiments
P-253341
Hawley, Eben Rice (1758-aft 1832) Douglass’ CT Regiment
P-177930
Sherman, Ezra (1765-1848) Pvt in Beardsley’s l6th Regt.
P-288291
Harmer, James (1753- 1837) Ogden’s NJ Regt.
P-175403
Clarkson, William (1760-1832) Revolutionary War VA Line
P-134370

The SAR members serving in the Color Guard included:

Michael Gunn
Scott Freeman
Jason Bourgeois, Commander
Gary Duffield*
Clay Crandall*
Nathan Chester*
Michael Blum
Alan Gummere*, Hocking Valley
Allen Manning, Clifty Creek, IN
Steven Conrad, Hocking Valley

Other SAR members in attendance included:

Paul George
Kenneth Burck
Larry Collins
Rod Hounshell
Bruce Bennett
Robert Colley
Lawrence Phillips

It was a very warm day, tough on our Color Guard members.  Regardless, they marched on and performed flawlessly as usual.

Mike Gunn was the emcee for the event.

Scott Freeman, Cincinnati Chapter SAR President introduced key members and provided an historical account of the events of 250 years ago.

The Nolan Carson Color Guard led by Color Guard commander Jason Bourgeois, posted colors (flags).

Later in the event the Color Guard fired off a ceremonial musket salute, followed by the honorary “mourn arms” pose to show respect for these fallen patriots.

The Cincinnati DAR was present and Monica Molenkamp greeted the audience and introduced other DAR members.

There was a cascade of wreaths presented by various SAR, DAR, CAR organizations as a sign of respect.

A playing of “Taps”, closed the event.

Special thanks to Bruce Bennett, Kathy Freeman and Jim Schaeffer for taking and sharing photos.

This series of tributes completes the current known identification of Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Hamilton County.

Future Patriots identified should be communicated to Mike Gunn – Cincinnati Chapter SAR – Grave Marking Committee Chairman.

Thanks to all you helped with this event, special thanks to the City of Cincinnati Parks Department and Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) for their ongoing support of our efforts to raise awareness of these Patriot’s contributions.

Happy Birthday America!