Blog Archives - CULPEPER MINUTE MEN - MUSTER CALL

Joint C.A.R. & SAR Grave Marking of Patriot William Ellzey

8/23/2025

23 Aug 2023 Loudoun County, VA

Today the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter and the Reverend John Marks Society C.A.R. jointly marked the grave of patriot William Ellzey who furnished supplies for the militia in Virginia. The CMM was represented by Bill Schwetke and dual member Virginia SAR President Mike Weyler. Bill presented the CMM wreath, marched in the Color Guard, and fired in the Musket Salute.

Bill Schwetke on the left and Virginia President Mike Weyler on the right with the CMM wreath.

Information for your NSSAR Patriot Grave Marking Medal.

200th Anniversary Visit of Lafayette to Culpeper

8/23/2025

23 Aug 2025 Culpeper, VA

The Combined SAR/Sojurners Color Guard present the Colors. Alexander

The CMM supports the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette's Return to Culpeper in a ceremony in downtown Culpeper. In addition to our Color Guard participants, Andrew Gutowski was the Master of Ceremonies. The Color Guard carried a 24-star US Flag (1825), a French Tricolore (1825 and today) and for local color the Culpeper Minute Bn Flag was carried by Michel Dennis whose patriot ancestor, David Jameson, carried the original.

The Combined SAR/Masonic Sojurner Color Guard leads Lafayette and Monroe to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

The Combined SAR/Masonic Sojurner Color Guard leads Lafayette and Monroe to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

Lafayette salutes the Color Guard

Some of the participants: left to right: Bil Schwetke, 1st CP Mark Crain, Charles Jameson, President Jim Bish, Virginia SAR President Mike Weyler, Paul McComb, Unknown Sojurner, Michael Dennis.

Inside St Stephen's Episcopal Church Eddie Daniel signs his SAR Application as Assistant State Registrar Tom Hamill waits to begin the state review of his application. Welcome our soon to be compatriot!

VA 250 Mobile Museum

8/18/2025

18-21 Aug 2025 Culpeper, VA

Left to right, Michael Dennis, Bill Schwetke, Charles Jameson

The VA 250 Mobile Museum was in Culpeper this week, Monday through Thursday, for eight hours a day and ten hours on Thursday. Several members of the CMM were at the museum and provided color and information to the visitors. Jim Bish and Charles Jameson were especially generous with their time. The museum averaged over 150 visitors per day.

Visitors inside the Mobile Museum.

Martha Washington Medal Awarded to Rex Hancock's Aunt

8/14/2025

14 Aug 2025 Portage, MI

Rex Hancock traveled to Portage, MI, and there he presented the Martha Washington Medal, awarded by the CMM, to his aunt Audrey Ann Hancock in recognition of her genealogical support for Rex and his uncle's SAR applications. She has made significant contributions to the Hancock family genealogy.

CMM Joins Col James Wood II Chapter in Presentation to Heritage Hill Senior Living

8/13/2025

13 Aug 2025 Front Royal, VA

Dale Corey (dual member of CMM) on left, and Chip Daniel, both of the Col James Wood II Chapter at Heritage Hall Senior Living

Today, Bill Schwetke joined the Col James Wood II Chapter in making a presentation to the Heritage Hall Senior Living residents on the Beeline March of 1775.

CMM Participate in Two Presentations to Commonwealth Senior Living Groups

8/8/2025

08 Aug 2025 Front Royal, VA

Today the Col James Wood II Chapter made their monthly visit to the Commonwealth Senior Living Home and presented a program on the Beeline March to separate groups. CMM Chaplain John Kuvakas and Bill Schwetke participated in the program in period attire. A total of 30 residents attended the two presentations.

CMM Chaplain John Kuvakas at Commonwealth Senior Living.

Fauquier Court House Chapter NSDAR School Supply Drive

8/5/2025

05 Aug 2025 Warrenton, VA

Daughters of the FCHC with just some of the well stocked backpacks they have assembled. Some of note to us, second from the right is Virginia Gerrish, wife of compatriot David Gerrish, behind and left of her is compatriot Bill Schwetke and to his left Cat Schwetke, in front of them is Cindy Messick, wife of compatriot Ron Messick, and eight from the right is Kelly Kuvakas, wife of our Chaplain John Kuvakas.

For many years the Fauquier Court House Chapter NSDAR has gathered school supplies and backpacks for children in local schools who need a little help. This year, as usual, Compatriot Bill Schwetke helped them with the manual labor. Bill's wife, Cat organized the effort.
During the school year the FCHC NSDAR helps with the weekly filling of Weekend Power Packs that are sent home with identified students to supplement their nutrition during the weekend when school meals are not available.
Both the School Supplies program and the Weekend Power Packs are projects of Fauquier Fish which does many similar good works in the Warrenton community.

249th Anniversary of the Virginia Declaration of Rights

8/2/2025

02 Aug 2025 Lorton, VA

Wreath presentation at Gunston Hall. CMM President Jim Bish is fifth from the left.

George Mason drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights which were adopted by the Virginia Constitutional Convention on 12 June 1776 and greatly influenced the Declaration of Independence. This declaration was celebrated today at George Mason's home, Gunston Hall. CMM President Jim Bish represented the chapter and presented our wreath.

Virginia DAR District IX 2025 Annual Meeting

8/2/2025

02 Aug 2025 Spotsylvania, VA

Today District IX of the Virginia DAR, which includes our three local chapters, held its annual meeting at Fawn Lake in Spotsylvania. The CMM was represented by Bill Schwetke.