04 Jul 2020 Culpeper, VA
The Culpeper Minutemen Chapter hosted the Celebration of our Declaration of Independence on the Courthouse Lawn in Culpeper with a crowd of over 100 looking on. Distinguished participants in the ceremony were Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by our friend Barry Stevens, Mayor Michael Olinger, District 30 Delegate Nick Freitas, and Virginia SAR President Bill Schwetke. CMM President Charles Jameson was the Master of Ceremonies. Four SAR Chapters participated, The Culpeper Minutemen, Colonel James Wood II, Colonel William Grayson and the Fair fax Resolves. The Culpeper Minute Men Chapter DAR participated in the ceremony and the Fauquier Court House Chapter DAR provided support. CMM President Charles Jameson was the Master of Ceremonies, Bill Schwetke brought greetings from the Virginia SAR, Tom Hamill read the Declaration of Independence, and CMM Chaplain Len Cowherd provided the invocation and benediction. Dual members Marc Robinson and Dale Corey participated in uniform. Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Ken Bonner led the Color Guard in posting the colors and firing a three-volley salute.
CMM compatriots also attending were Treasurer Rich LePage, Lon Lacey III, Alan Lacey, and Gerry Culver.
CMM President Jameson, Michael Dennis, and Tom Hamill all participated in period clothing and participated in the Color Guard. Michael Dennis also participated in the Color Guards' musket volleys. We also recruited a drummer from Culpeper High School, Josh Nesperson
CMM compatriots also attending were Treasurer Rich LePage, Lon Lacey III, Alan Lacey, and Gerry Culver.
CMM President Jameson, Michael Dennis, and Tom Hamill all participated in period clothing and participated in the Color Guard. Michael Dennis also participated in the Color Guards' musket volleys. We also recruited a drummer from Culpeper High School, Josh Nesperson
One of the three musket volleys. Left to right: Sean Carrigan, Michael Dennis, Eric RObinson, and Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Ken Bonner.
Highlights of the program included our remembering "Forgotten Patriots" with bios read in tribute to African-American and Native American Patriots; Remarks on the Declaration by Ben Franklin (portrayed by Barry Stevens); and a passionate reading of the Declaration of Independence by Tom Hamill.
 Evelyn Madden |  Culpeper Minute Men Chapter, NSDAR Regent Carol Simpson |  Rozanne Edrington |
 |  Sally Humphries | |
 Ben Franklin, portrayed by Barry Stevens |  |  Tom Hamill |
Left to right: Lon Lacey III, Jill Lacey, Alan Lacey, Maggie Lacey, Mary Margaret Lacey, Mayor Olinger.
During the celebration Culpeper Mayor Michael T. Olinger presented the Town of Culpeper's Leadership Award to our late compatriot Lon Lacey. Lon's family was present to receive the award.
SAR Participants. Kneeling left to right: Andrew A. Mills, Eric Robinson, Sean Carrigan, Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Ken Bonner. Standing, left to right" Marc Robinson, Mike Weyler, Dale COrey, Ben Franklin (portrayed by Barry Stevens), Michael Dennis, CMM President Charles Jameson, Virginia SAR President Bill Schwetke, Andrew L. Mills, Tom Hamill.
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