Lon Lacey represented the CMM as the proposal for the Culpeper Minute Battalion Memorial was presented for final approval this evening at the Culpeper Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.  The commission approved forwarding the proposal to the Culpeper City Council for final approval.  Construction is anticipated to begin this Fall with completion and a dedication ceremony in the Spring of 2018.
     The total cost of this project is estimated at $37,615, with the Virginia SAR Knight-Patty Fund providing $16,115.  This approval came after  over a year of work and planning by the City and the CMM Revolutionary War Walk Committee which Lon Lacey chairs.  This memorial will be the centerpiece of the Revolutionary War Walk in Yowell Meadow Park.  The first monument in this project, a memorial to Major Gabriel Long, was dedicated in 2015 (link to the report on that dedication here).  Other monuments are planned at 2-3 year intervals.

     Marine Corporal Larry Bailey lost both legs below the knee and his left hand to the blast of an IED in Afghanistan  six years ago.  The Stephen Siller Tunnel to the Towers Foundation bought property of Larry's choice in Summerduck, VA and on that land built a specially designed home for Cpl Bailey and his family.  That very special home was dedicated on August 1st and Cpl Bailey saw his new home for the first time.
     The Stephen Siller Tunnel to the Towers Foundation is named for New York Fireman Stephen Siller, who came in on his day off, donned his gear at his fire station, and was last seen entering the tunnel that led to the World Trade Center Towers.  In his memory the foundation bearing his name is building special homes that meet the special needs of our warriors and first responders with serious injuries.
     The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter Color Guard was honored to participate in the dedication ceremony to present the colors for the National Anthem.   Color Guard participants were Michael Dennis, Charles Jameson, Lon Lacey, and Bill Schwetke.

The chapter had a very active month of July.   First was the Fourth of July Ceremony and parade.
 
The ceremony on the fourth of July at the Culpeper Courthouse yard was excellent and is a good chance for the public to see the face of the CMM/SAR.  The day starts with the march from the depot to the courthouse, posting of the colors, introduction of political/public guests.  The speaker was Benjamin Franklin, who I believe captivated the audience.  Compatriot Jim Bayne read the Declaration of Independence.   The finale was the musket fire, in coordination with the Blue Ridge Choral.   The audience was invited to sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence. 
 
A special thanks to Color Guard Commander Lon Lacey for all his work to make this ceremony a success.  Lon sits on a town committee, a  county committee and the 4th of July committee coordinating everything with the Culpeper Tourism Bureau and the Town of Culpeper.
 
The 4th of July parade started at 4:00 pm.  The trailer was decorated with flags and banners and full of compatriots and their families.   The float won the trophy for “Best Patriotic Display.”
 
 A special Thanks to Jim Bayne and his daughter Melony for allowing us to use their trailer,  and for storing the decorations, etc. when not in use.
 
We had a very good gathering for the chapter picnic at Mt Run Lake park.  We had 20+ in attendance and lots of food.
 
Upcoming events are as follows:
August 19 – Board of Managers meeting 9:30 at Pepper’s Grill in Culpeper.
September 1 – First Friday in Warrenton
September 11 – Bugles Across America Patriot Day
September 15-18 VASSAR Semi-Annual – Alexandria
September 16 - Vigil at Washington’s Tomb – Mt. Vernon
October 6 – First Friday in Warrenton
October 7 – King’s Mountain Ceremony, Blacksburg SC
October 7-8 – Point Pleasant WV
October 21 – Community Award Meeting
October 19 – Yorktown
October 28 – DAR/SAR Genealogy Workshop
November 11 – Veteran’s Day – Culpeper National Cemetery
November 18 – Chapter Awards Meeting
December 2 – Great Bridge, Chesapeake, VA
December 9 – SAR/DAR Christmas Party – St. Stevens – Culpeper
 
Additional information will be forwarded as we get closer to the dates