23 Dec 2025 Annapolis, MD
The original copy of George Washington Resignation Remarks from which he read on display in the Maryland State House.
242 years ago today the Continental Congress was in session in the Senate Chamber of the Maryland Capital in Annapolis. At 12:00 noon General Washington entered the chamber and was permitted to address the Congress. He stated that he was resigning the commission given him by this same Congress over eight years earlier. This historic act by Washington established the American concept of civilian control of the military. His remarks are considered by many as the fourth of our founding documents.
The ceremony today was organized by the Maryland SAR and conducted with suitable dignity. CMM dual member and Virginia SAR 2nd Vice President Ken Bonner was exceptional in portraying General Washington in this emotional reenactment. The CMM was represented Thomas Jefferson in the reenactment and Cat Schwetke portrayed on of the ladies in the gallery in 18 century attire. Two dual chapter members had prominent rolls, Historian General Jeff Thomas as Congress Secretary Charles Thomson and Vice President General (IT) Ken Bonner as General George Washington. The venue this year is the New Senate Chamber built in 1902-5; next year we hope to return the ceremony to the Old Senate Chamber where Washington actually delivered his resignati0n.
The ceremony today was organized by the Maryland SAR and conducted with suitable dignity. CMM dual member and Virginia SAR 2nd Vice President Ken Bonner was exceptional in portraying General Washington in this emotional reenactment. The CMM was represented Thomas Jefferson in the reenactment and Cat Schwetke portrayed on of the ladies in the gallery in 18 century attire. Two dual chapter members had prominent rolls, Historian General Jeff Thomas as Congress Secretary Charles Thomson and Vice President General (IT) Ken Bonner as General George Washington. The venue this year is the New Senate Chamber built in 1902-5; next year we hope to return the ceremony to the Old Senate Chamber where Washington actually delivered his resignati0n.
Far left, Historian General Jeff Thomas ((Fairfax Resolves Chapter dual CMM) who portrayed Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress. Fourth man from the left, Bill Schwetke with his wife Cat in from of him - Bill portrayed Thomas Jefferson, sixth man from the left Vice President General (IT) Ken Bonner (Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter, dual CMM) with his wife to his right - Ken portrayed George Washington.
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