Wreaths Across America – Cincinnati SAR Participates and honors fallen heroes in three area cemetery locations

Wreaths Across America – Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (CCSAR) participated in wreath laying ceremonies in three area cemetery locations including:

1. Spring Grove Cemetery – Cincinnati, OH

2. Greenwood Cemetery – Hamilton, OH &

3. Woodside Cemetery – Middletown, OH

Wreaths Across America – More than 120 Volunteers gathered to place 694 wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans

On a relatively warm, yet drizzly Saturday December 18, 2021 more than 120 proud attendees participated in the laying of wreaths on 694 gravestones of fallen Veterans in three Cincinnati area Cemeteries. The weather did not dampen the spirits of the volunteers who participated that day.

This ceremony was part of the Nationwide Wreaths Across America which honors Veterans by placing a wreath at their gravestone. This program has been growing in scope over the years. A link to the WAA event is provided here: Wreaths Across America.

As an additional benefit, there is a Spring Grove Cemetery website where many of these photos you see here were sourced, we are grateful for the use of those photos in this article – see the link provided: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=sgcemetery&set=a.10159923483620536

Spring Grove Cemetery – Cincinnati OH

The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (CCSAR) led by the Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard (NCMCG) posted the Colors to half staff and formed in Mourn Position during the bugle Call for Colors by Craig Flick.

Craig Flick’s bugle sweetly filled the damp air during the ceremony
Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard (NCMCG) mourns the memories of fallen Heroes

The Cincinnati SAR members were joined by: Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and it’s Auxiliary; three Chapters of the DAR (Clough Valley, Cincinnati and Mariemont); St. Antoninus Cub Scout Pack 614; and others totaling more than 120 people.

Volunteers pray for the souls of all lost veterans during the WAA event at Spring Grove Cemetery

Each of the 694 wreaths were lain at the gravestone of a Veteran with a brief Ceremony mentioning their name from the marker by the attending Volunteers.

Volunteers lay wreaths out on the headstones of fallen Veterans

Wreaths were also placed for each of the US Services: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, POW/MIA & Space Force.

The dedication of a wreath to commemorate each of the seven branches of the service

After the wreaths were placed on the fallen veterans gravestone, the NCMCG returned the Colors to full Staff under a bugle Assembly direction.

Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard (NCMCG) presenting arms during the raising of the Flag

A Benediction was led by the CCSAR Chaplain Rev. Ed Bonniwell

CCSAR Chaplain Rev. Ed Bonniwell addresses the community of volunteers

Taps was played by Craig Flick.

Firelocks at ease

In a separate ceremony, representatives of the CCSAR moved to the Revolutionary War Memorial in Spring Grove Cemetery and placed 2 wreaths for the 60 Revolutionary War Patriots honored on the Plaques there. CCSAR members who participated included President Gregg Ballman, Bob Bowers, Clay Crandall, Tim Madden & Mike Gunn.

American Revolutionary War commemorative marker in Spring Grove Cemetery

Greenwood Cemetery – Hamilton, OH

In Hamilton OH, a separate WAA event took place with representatives of the CCSAR & John Reily DAR Chapter at the Greenwood Cemetery. CCSAR members Mike Blum, Dan Schmitz and Gary Duffield were in attendance, along with members of the John Riely DAR chapter. Together they placed a wreath on Patriot John Riely’s gravesite, to honor his service to our nation.

DAR Participants at Grave of John Reily

Woodside Cemetery – Middletown OH

In Middletown OH, there was a WAA event at the Woodside Cemetery. Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (CCSAR) member Jack Bredenfoerder participated in a wreath laying event with participants from the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.

Wreaths placed on grave markers in Greenwood Cemetery
Jack Bredenfoerder participated in a wreath laying event with participants from the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.
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