The Highlanders chapter sponsored a Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the Ohio Veterans Home again this year.
Program for the WAA Georgetown Ceremony
Program activities for the Wreaths Across America at Georgetown OH
The Ohio Veterans Home is located at 2003 Veterans Blvd in Georgetown, Ohio 45121.
Single cannon guards the entrance to the Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown
The program started at 10:00 AM on Friday December 16th in the Great Room on the second floor.
Gary Duffield leads the Pledge of Allegiance during the WAA Ceremony
After the pledge of allegiance to the flag, singing of the Star Spangled Banner, and a short prayer, a symbolic wreath was presented and displayed by one of the Ohio Veterans Home veterans.
Ceremonial wreath placed at the Ohio Veterans Home
Proud members of our veterans proudly salute the American Flag
SAR Gary Duffield addresses the WAA event at Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown OH
Highlands Chapter SAR member Gerold Wilkins salutes the American flag during WAA event
After completion of the indoor program, some of the participants ventured outdoors to present 50 commemorative wreaths on memorial stones in their “Walk of Honor”. This was a moving event. The “Walk of Honor” is a walking path which is lined with memorial stones starting with the year, and listing the veterans who passed during the respective year. This practice started in 2003 and continues to this day.
In period uniforms, members of the SAR Madden, Duffield and Wilkins stand with event participants next to the statue of Ulysses S. Grant for whom Georgetown was home.
In addition, small American flags were inserted in the ground adjacent to the memorial stone.
Three members of the Sons of the American Revolution were present for the ceremony and festivities.
- From the Highlander Chapter, Gary Duffield and Gerold Wilkin were present.
- From the Cincinnati Chapter Gary Duffield and Tim Madden participated.
This was a moving event. We are so fortunate to be able to honor these veterans who defended our freedoms. For us, our small contribution pales in comparison to the sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces have made.
Thanks to the Ohio Veterans Home for allowing us to participate.
On a personal note, during my genealogical research of my ancestors, I learned that Ulysses Grant and I are related. We share the same great grandfather Samuel Grant Sr (1631-1718). Both of us are descendants of Matthew Grant (1601-1681) who came to Massachusetts in 1632 and shortly migrated and was a key founder of the city of Windsor Connecticut.
SAR member Tim Madden stands beside Ulysses S. Grant which is Tim’s 5th cousin – 5 times removed. Madden and Grant share a common great grandfather.
