The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution participated in a Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati Ohio.
Wreath Sponsorship Form 2022 Spring Grove
The Spring Grove Cemetery in north central Cincinnati is a beautiful place full of extreme contrasts. The grounds are beautiful with an arboretum feel and a very wonderful place to be interred. It does not get much better than this for the body to spend eternity in.
On this day, the Wreaths Across American held a ceremony where over 700 graves of Civil War veterans were honored. The program started at 12:00 noon.
It was a cold blustery day, complete with gusty winds and snow flakes.
Representatives of various organization and the public participated in this moving event.
The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) had prominent roles in the program.
SAR member Scott Freeman gave a brief history about the grave sites we were honoring.
Taps was played by a Civil War reenacter. The sound of the bugle echoed through out the cemetery.
SAR Dr. Ed Bonniwell led the collected in a spirited prayer.
The SAR Color Guard stood watch over the placement of wreaths honoring each of the branches of our armed forces. Representatives of the branches of armed services placed branch specific wreaths honoring their branch of service.
At that point, the participants all were encouraged to take a wreath and place it just below the headstone for the Civil War veteran. They were asked to take a moment of silence to recognize and reflect on the interred veteran.
Upon placement of the wreaths, the Cincinnati SAR performed a three musket volley salute for all fallen veterans. This was followed by a mourning salute and a period of quiet reflection.
This ended the ceremony. It was really heartwarming (we needed that on this cold day), to see the participants mill around and introduce themselves and walk around the grounds.
The SAR participants traveled a short distance in the Cemetery to the American Revolutionary War memorial which recognizes the fallen who are buried in the cemetery. Wreaths were placed, a short prayer was spoken and we saluted those who have fallen.
I reflected on the scene and events and had to think how satisfying it would be to me for people to recognize my service to this great country 150 years after my death. That is a legacy, to be remembered, to be honored, and to be thanked for ones service.
Members of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution who participated include:
SAR Color Guard:
- Greg Ballman
- Ed Bonniwell
- Tim Madden
- Clay Crandall
SAR Members in attendance:
- Scott Freeman
- Ken Burck
- Paul Taylor
- John Tiffany
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.
Thank you for the nationwide Wreaths Across America (WAA) organization who sponsors this event. Thanks to all the participants who volunteer their time to make this moving and uplifting event to happen. Our appreciation to the donors and sponsors who purchase the wreaths which are placed on the graves.
