On Saturday November 2nd, 2024, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (CCSAR) met with the Northern Kentucky Young Marines for a luncheon, historic presentations about the American Revolution and a weapons firing demonstration.
Symbol of Young Marines
Participants from the CCSAR were compatriots Ed Bonniwell, Lee Wilkerson, Vince McGeehan, Rocky Jackson, Bob Bowers and Tim Madden.
Presenters Rocky Jackson (L) Vince McGeehan (C) with Young Marine participants
This meeting was part of the CCSAR’s Youth Education Program led by Bob Bowers. If your school or youth organization has interest in having the CCSAR present American History – Revolutionary War era to your group, please leave a comment on our website and we will reach out to discuss.
Youth Education Chairman Bob Bowers
Information on the Young Marines:
The Young Marines is a Youth Leadership Program for kids ages 8 through the completion of high school modeled after, and endorsed by, the United States Marine Corps.
Young Marines at attention
At our Northern Kentucky unit (one of nearly 300 across the U.S.) we focus on Military & American History, physical fitness, public speaking, citizenship, community service, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Young Marines are not pushed into the military, but they are required to appreciate the freedoms granted by those who serve(d).
Activities for the day’s events:
The day started with a luncheon where the CCSAR participants, dressed in military era uniforms and clothing sat down with the students and chatted where they asked questions and we learned more about the Young Marines, their mission, and the benefits these young adults (ladies and men) gained from the program.
Luncheon with Young Marines
We also were able to speak with the program leadership who have dedicated time, energy and passion to this program and these young adults. Lynne Arnold was the spokesperson for the Young Marines. We are grateful for the opportunity.
Presentations to Young Marines
These Young Marines leaders are simply awesome, what they are teaching these young adults is priceless. We are grateful to have individuals like the Young Marines leadership team who invest in our youth.
As these young adults are our future, we are thrilled to see such dedication and service. The Young Marines were a wonderful group of students. These Young Marines demonstrated respect and appreciation for / to their leaders and we as visitors.
We were so impressed with how they conducted themselves throughout the entire day.
Once we completed lunch, we went outside where our Nolan Carson Color Guard members gave a short bio of their respective Patriot Ancestors.
SAR Color Guard members give brief bio about their patriot ancestor
Each Color Guard member explained the types of muskets we carried and showed these Marines the operations of an 18th century flintlock musket and rifle.
Compatriot Bob Bowers explains the operation of the flintlock musket and various types of weapons used
This was followed by a three volley musket firing demonstration. Even the geese who surrounded us next to the lake were not harmed.
Color Guard priming and loading their muskets
Color Guard ready to fire musket volley
Video of our musket firing: (we upset the flock of geese just behind us!):
We then returned to the lodge where three of our CCSAR Compatriots gave a presentation which was related to the American Revolution time period.
Ed Bonniwell gave a presentation on the “Battle of Yorktown” which is a significant end of the war battle and explained the tiring of the British and the impact of French support for the Continental Army.
Dr. Ed Bonniwell explains the troop movements related to the Battle of Yorktown
Vince McGeehan gave a presentation of the events leading up to the famed July 4th 1776 Declaration of Independence and the commitment of the colonies to go to war with Britain. Unknown to many are the 10-15 years of “knife cuts” the British imposed on the colonies to “keep them in line” and “pay for the substantial war debts” the British accrued including the “French and Indian Wars” which preceded the Revolutionary War.
Compatriot Vince McGeehan during his presentation on the events leading up to the American Revolution
Rocky Jackson gave a presentation and discussed three individuals who were impacted and impacted the Revolutionary War efforts. The three individuals Rocky presented were for Abraham Whipple, John Manley and Edward Preble. Rocky was successful in helping the audience understand the trials and tribulations these individuals met and overcome.
Rocky Jackson presents the story of three impactful Patriots who were influential in the American Revolution
The CCSAR was proud to have been able to participate and learn more about these fine young adults. Most impressive individuals who asked many questions and showed interest in learning more about our forefathers, the American struggle for independence, and we are confident they learned more about what Marines and America’s armed forces are protecting.
All in all, a great event.
Check out the thank you from the “Young Marines”!
