Major Gabriel Long Memorial Dedication

20 Jun 2015        Yowell Meadow Park, Culpeper

     Today was the culmination of many months of hard work as the CMM dedicated the memorial to Major Gabriel Long in Yowell Meadow Park in Culpeper, near where the Culpeper Minute Men first mustered in 1775.  A crowd of a little over fifty watched as the memorial was dedicated.  The keynote speaker was Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright.  Twelve CMM Members and four wives helped make the dedication a success:  Lance Lyngar, Lon Lacey, Mary Margaret Lacey, Lon Lacey, III, Don Jennings, Gar Schulin, Jim Bayne, Jerry Hubbard, Ben Works, Jake Lay, Larry Alexander, Beverly Alexander, Ray Walker (A recent transfer from DCSSAR and this was his first CMM event)  Bill Schwetke, and Cat Schwetke.
     After the invocation by Jerry Hubbard the Old Guard Fife & Drums played while the SAR Color Guard posted the colors.

The SAR Color Guard, from right to left: Lon Lacey III, Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Darrin Schmidt, Vern Eubanks from the Fairfax Resolves, Lance Lyngar, Don Jennings, Lon Lacey Jr.

     The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the colors were posted

     The first speaker, Lon Lacey, Jr., introduced William R. L. Fuller, 6 x great grandson of Gabriel Long, then gave us the history and accomplishments of Gabriel Long.

William R. L. Fuller, 6 x great grandson of Gabriel Long on left, introduced by Lon Lacey, Jr.

     Councilman Jon Russell brought greetings from the Town of Culpeper, which had strongly supported this monument.

Councilman Jon Russel represents the Culpeper Town Council.

     The keynote speaker was Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright, who spoke of the SAR's dedication to supporting memorials like this one and to educate the public on our patriot ancestors.  The Virginia SAR's Knight Patty Trust provided the majority of the funding for this project.

Virginia Society President Reverdy Wright.

Lance Lyngar unveils the Major Gabriel Long Memorial at Virginia President Reverdy Wright's command.

    

On President Wright's command, Lance Lyngar unveiled the monument to Major Gabriel Long.

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     The unveiling was followed by the presentation of wreaths.  The Col Fielding Lewis Chapter Wreath was presented by Wayne Rouse, the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter Wreath was presented by Gar Schulin, the Culpeper Minute Men Chapter/DAR wreath was presented by Mary Ann Cowherd, the Fairfax Resolves Chapter wreath was presented by  Vernon Eubanks, the Fauquier Court House Chapter/DAR wreath was presented by Beverly Alexander and Cat Schwetke, the Fort Harrison Chapter wreath was presented by Hank Almond, and the Order of Founders and Patriots wreath was presented by Jerry Hubbard.

From left to right, Bill Schwetke, narrating, with wreaths, Gar Schulin, Jerry Hubbard, Hank Almond, Vern Eubanks.

     Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright made the formal wreath presentation of the Virginia SAR wreath, escorted by Jim Bayne and Larry Alexander.

Left to right: Past Virginia SAR Jim Bayne, Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright, Past CMM President Larry Alexander.

     As Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright and his escort saluted, the color guard fired three musket volleys.

     This was followed by a performance by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the highlight of the afternoon.

     The SAR Color Guard then retired the colors, Jerry Hubbard gave a benediction, and the ceremony was concluded.

The SAR Color Guard retires the colors, in the foreground, left to right, Lon Lacey III, SAR Coflor Guard Commander Darrin Schmidt.

     After the ceremony the Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright and the CMM presented the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright shakes the hand of Sargent First Class Mark Metrinko, Drum Major and Operations NCO of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, as he presents a Certificate of Appreciation. On the right of SFC Metrinko is Lon Lacey, Jr, Bill Schwetke, and off to the right edge is Lance Lyngar. The members of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps form the backdrop for the picture.

Some of the CMM members present with Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright and William Fuller. Left to right: Jake Lay, Gar Schulin, Lon Lacey, Jr., William Fuller, Reverdy Wright, Ben Works, Jerry Hubbard, Ray Walker, and Bill Schwetke. Participating, but not in the picture: Don Jennings, Lon Lacey III, Lance Lyngar, Larry Alexander, and Jim Bayne.

William R. L. Fuller, 6 x great grandson of Major Gabriel Long.

That Evening at Peper's Grill in Culpeper

     That evening some of the CMM gathered with Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright and his wife Lydia for dinner at Pepper's Grill.  The CMM presented President Wright with a small bust of the local hero, James Madison, in appreciation for his support in constructing and dedicating the Major James Long Memorial.

On behalf of the CMM President Bill Schwetke presents the James Madison bust to Virginia SAR President Reverdy Wright.