Blog Archives - CULPEPER MINUTE MEN - MUSTER CALL

James Monroe's 261st Birthday

4/28/2019

28 Apr 2019 Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, VA

US Army Color Guard at James Monroe's Tomb.

On a beautiful Spring morning at picturesque Hollywood Cemetery 13 Virginia SAR compatriots from 10 chapters, led by Virginia SAR 1st Vice President Bill Schwetke, marked President James Monroe's Birthday at his tomb. Wreaths were presented by each chapter and brief remarks made. The master of ceremonies for the wreath laying and keynote speaker was Peter Broadbent of the Richmond Chapter. The CMM contingent, led by President Tom Hamill included Bill Schwetke.

Our wreath laying program was preceded by Brigadier General Heidi J. Hoyle, Chief of Ordnance of the United States Army, who presented a wreath on behalf of President Trump and also gave stirring remarks.

President Tom Hamill render honors at the tomb.

President Tom Hamill delivers his remarks.

CMM President Tom Hamill, on left, with Bill Schwetke and the CMM Chapter Wreath.

Virginia Soil Gathered & Blessed at Graves Mountain to be Taken to Waxhaws.

4/27/2019

27 Apr 2019 Syria, VA

Leamon Duncan fills the urn, held by Tom Hamill, with Virginia Soil. The Color Guard, left to right: Commander Paul Chase, Jim O'Kelley, Bill Schwetke, Charles Jameson, Craig Truskey, and Michael Dennis. The Flags carried by the Color Guard incuded the 3rd Detachment Flag under which the Virginians fought at Waxhaws.

In a brief ceremony before the Seven Chapter Meeting at Graves Mountain Lodge today, Virginia soil was gathered in an urn, blessed by Father Henry Minich, and entrusted to Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport, who will transport it to a ceremony at the Waxhaws Battlefield in four weeks. There President Davenport will spread the Blessed Virginia Soil on the mass grave of Virginia soldiers killed there on May 29, 1780.

Tom Hamill transfers the Virginia Soil to President Davenport.

Father Henry Minich blesses the Virginia Soil.

Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport vows to transport the Blessed Virginia Soil to Waxhaws, and there place it on the mass grave of Virginians killed 239 years ago.

Graves Mountain Lodge Seven Chapter Meeting

4/27/2019

27 Apr 2019 Syria, VA

Every Spring since 1995 the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter has hosted a Multi-Chapter Meeting at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, VA. This year six chapters (eight chapters were represented) participated with 58 compatriots and guests with Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport delivering the keynote address. Marc Robinson of the Colonel James Wood II Chapter was the Master of Ceremonies.
After the ceremonies at the opening of the program the chapter presidents or their representatives presented brief remarks, followed by Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport.

Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport with his guest Lee Bronfam

Master of Ceremonies Marc Robinson of the Colonel James Wood II Chapter.

Thomas Jefferson Chpater President Jim O'Kelley.

Culpeper Minutemen Chapter President Tom Hamill.

Colonel Fielding Lewis Chapter past President John Hamilton.

General Daniel Morgan Chapter President Edmund Davidson.

Colonel William Grayson Chapter President Mike Weyler.

Then several awards were presented to compatriots and spouses.

Past Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly, on right, presents the Patriot Grave Marking Medal to Thad Hartman, center, as Colonel WIllima Grayson Chapter President Mike Weyler, on left, assists.

Past Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Jim O'Kelley.

Past Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Phil Williams.

Past Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly presents two Certificates of Appreciation to Jan O'Kelley.

Past Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Jennifer Kelly.

Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Jan O'Kelley.

Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Jennifer Kelly.

President Davenport's keynote talk was a thorough coverage of the society's progress in meeting the goals that he laid out at the February Annual Meeting. After his remarks the seven chapters presented him with a check, donating $100 to the Brennan Fund in his name.

Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport delivers his keynote address.

Master of Ceremonies Marc Robinson, on right, presents our speaker with the honorarium check, a $100 donation to the Brennan Fund in the name of Virginia President Peter Davenport.

Culpeper Minutemen Chapter attendees included President Tom and Susan Hamill, 1st Vice President Charles Jameson, Larry & Beverly Alexander, Michael Dennis, Don & Lois Hollar, Charles Jameson, Ric Jenkins, prospective member Rich LePage, Bill Mutziger, Bill & Cat Schwetke, and Craig Truskey. Tom Hamill, Michael Dennis, Charles Jameson, Bill Schwetke and Craig Truskey participated in the Color Guard.

Color Guardsmen at Graves Mountain, left to right: Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Paul Chase, Jim O'Kelley, Edmund Davidson, Michael Dennis, Bill Schwetke, Charles Jameson, Ken Wallenborn, Tom Hamill, Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport, Jim Simmons, Jeff Thomas, Mike Weyler, Leamon Duncan, past Virginia SAR Presidnet Pat Kelly, Craig Truskey, Marc Robinson.

Bill Schwetke Addresses General Adam Stephen Chapter in West Virginia

4/26/2019

26 Apr 2019 Martinsburg, WV

This evening CMM past President Bill Schwetke gave a talk on the Origins of the SAR, DAR, and C.A.R. at the General Adam Stephen Chapter in Martinsburg, WV. This visit to West Virginia is part of a significant effort by the Colonel James Wood II Chapter to reach out to work with neighboring chapters, even across state lines. President Dale Corey , VP Marc Robinson, and Chaplain Raleigh Watson of the Colonel James Wood II Chapter all attended the meeting. Bill's wife, Cat, accompanied him and took these pictures.

CMM past President Bill Schwetke, on left, with General Adam Stephen Chapter, WV President Marty Keesecker.

James Monroe's 261st Birthday Celebrated at His Birthplace

4/20/2019

20 Apr 2019 Colonial Beach VA

Though young at the commencement of our revolution, I took part in it, and its principles have invariably guided me since. – James Monroe 1817

On this beautiful spring morning in Westmoreland County, Virginia, just over 100 people gathered to honor President James Monroe on his 261st birthday. The backdrop for the ceremony was the Visitors' Center at his birthplace. President Peter Davenport lead the Virginia SAR contingent and delivered the keynote address. 1st Vice President Charles Jameson led the CMM contingent, addressed the gathering, and presented the chapter wreath. Other CMM participants were Michael Dennis, Mike Lyman and Bill Schwetke. All of the CMM members participated in the Color Guard.

A gathering of patriots, with the Visitors' Center as a backdrop.

Virginia SAR President Peter Davenport delivers the keynote address.

CMM 1st Vice President Charles Jameson addresses the gathering.

Virginia SAR members in attendance.

CMM participants, left to right, Bill Schwetke, 1st VP Charles Jameson, Mike Lyman, and Michael Dennis.

243rd Anniversary of the Halifax Resolves

4/12/2019

12 Apr 2019 Halifax, NC

Keynote Speaker Ken Wilson addressing the gathering.

On this pleasant, but windy day, the SAR, SR, DAR, and the community of Halifax, NC, gathered to mark that on April 12, 1776, the Fourth Provincial Congress of North Carolina, meeting here in Halifax, adopted a resolution advocating for independence for the Colonies from Great Britain. The CMM were represented by Bill Schwetke, who presented both the Virginia SAR and CMM wreaths and marched in the Color Guard; and dual member Gary Green, who commanded the Color Guard.

The Color Guard advances the colors.

Bill Schwetke renders honors.

Bill Schwetke, on left, and Gary Green, on right, stand by the CMM wreath.

After a break for lunch, the Charters of Freedom Display was dedicated. Again Bill Schwetke participated in the Color Guard commanded by Gary Green. Culpeper will have a similar display as part of the Culpeper Minutemen Memorial being dedicated this Fall. The Charters of Freedom Display includes the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and uniquely in Halifax, the Halifax Resolves.

Charters of Freedom Display

The Colors are advanced - Bill Schwetke carrying the Virginia Flag.

CJWII Chapter Marks the Grave of Patriot Capt. Adam Heiskell

4/7/2019

7 Apr 2019 Winchester, VA

CMM First Vice President Charles Jameson and CMM Color Guard Commander Michael Dennis represented the CMM at the marking of Patriot Capt. Adam Heiskell's grave in Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, VA. Vice President Jameson presented the chapter wreath and both participated in the color guard.

CMM Attend Fauquier Court House Chapter DAR Chapter Officer Installation Meeting

4/6/2019

6 Apr 2019 Casanova, VA

CMM Compatriots at the Fauquier Court House Chapter DAR meeting, left to right: Bill Schwetke, Greg Schumacher, Gar Schulin, President Tom Hamill, Larry Alexander, Craig Truskey.

Today CMM President Tom Hamill led a contingent of six CMM compatriots to the Fauquier Court House Chapter DAR Officer Installation Meeting at Poplar Springs in Casanova, VA. President Hamill presented the outgoing Chapter Regent, Cat Schwetke, with the SAR Daughters of Liberty Medal for leading the outstanding support this DAR chapter provided the CMM during the three years of her term of office. Cat Schwetke also received an oak leaf cluster to her SAR Medal of Appreciation for reaching a total of six successful new member referrals to the CMM.

CMM President Tom Hamill presents the SAR Medal of Appreciation, second oak leaf cluster, to Cat Schwetke.

CMM President Tom Hamill presents the SAR Daughters of Liberty Medal, to Cat Schwetke.

April 2019 Birthdays & Service Anniveraries

4/1/2019

Rufus Putnam
9 Apr 1738 - 4 May 1824

April Birthdays
Leonard Mallonée Cowherd II
Scott Christopher Everett
Fred Wesley Goodenough
Philip Neal Johnson
Austin Trevor Martin
William Lindsay Schaff
Nathan Richard Skipper III
Benjamin Crocker Works

April Service Anniversaries
William Robert Hurst - 14 yrs
Donald James Cope - 8 yrs
German Pierce Culver, Jr. - 7 yrs
Thomas Daniel Brooks - 4 yrs