22 May 2021 Richmond, VA
 Bill Schwetke presents honors to the monument during the presentation of the CMM Chapter Wreath. |
The Virginia SAR Patriot Monument, listing the names of known patriots buried in Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond, was dedicated in a ceremony deesgnated a state event. This Monument was originally intended to be dedicated during the 2020 NSSAR Congress in Richmond. That dedication was cancelled along with the Congress, but the Monument was dedicated this weekend as one of President Jeff Thomas' initiatives. The Richmond Chapter was the host, Richmond Chapter President Bill Haskins was the master of ceremonies, and Virginia SAR President Jeff Thomas led the Dedication Ceremony with George Washington Chapter Vice President Richard Rankin acting as chaplain. The monument was designed by CMM compatriot Bill Schwetke, who also planned the dedication ceremony. Bill also presented the CMM Chapter Wreath, marched in the Color Guard, and fired a musket in the musket salute. CMM commpatriot Mike Lyman also participated in the Color Guard and many of the names on the monument were as a result of his research.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Ken Bonner led the Color Guard that raised the US Flag on the flagpole that is part of the Monument and also commanded the eleven muskets that fired a three volley salute as the covers were removed from the Monument. Dale Corey plaid "To the Colors" on his bugle as Old Glory was raised on the flagpole and also led all present in singing "America the Beautiful" after the musket salute. The Monument currently has te names of twenty patriots engraved upon it, but with room to add more as they are verified, which will certainly occur. Five of the names were given special attention to count for patriot grave markings.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Ken Bonner led the Color Guard that raised the US Flag on the flagpole that is part of the Monument and also commanded the eleven muskets that fired a three volley salute as the covers were removed from the Monument. Dale Corey plaid "To the Colors" on his bugle as Old Glory was raised on the flagpole and also led all present in singing "America the Beautiful" after the musket salute. The Monument currently has te names of twenty patriots engraved upon it, but with room to add more as they are verified, which will certainly occur. Five of the names were given special attention to count for patriot grave markings.
Five Patriots Identified for Grave Marking
James Gibbon
Robert Greenhow
Robert Pollard
John Potts
Nathaniel Puckett
James Gibbon
Robert Greenhow
Robert Pollard
John Potts
Nathaniel Puckett
The names of the five so honored were called out, a bell was rung, and their biography was read.
Ken Bonner directs the firing of the third volley of the musket salute.
Group photo of te participants at the Monument.
CMM members who participated in the ceremony, left to right:L Virginia SAR President Jeff THomas, Color Guard Commander Ken Bonner, Pat Kelly, Sean Carrigan, Dale Corey, Mike Weyler, Marc Robinson, and Bill Schwetke. Not pictured is Mike Lyman.
Information for your Patriot Grave Marking Medal Form. Are you tracking your accomplishments? Participate in marking a total of 15 similar graves and you're eligible for the NSSAR Patriot Grave Marking Medal.
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