Birth of the U.S. Army & 1st Army Commander Commemorated by Sons of the American Revolution

Saturday, June 14 at Mount Vernon not only celebrated Flag Day but celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States Army. After the 2nd Continental Congress ordered the founding of the Army it commissioned George Washington as the first Commanding General of the Army. National SAR Secretary General Mike Elston, National SAR Color Guard Commander Scott Collins and National SAR Historian General Jeff Thomas represented NSSAR as multiple chapters of Sons, Daughters and Children of the American Revolution joined to commemorate the event. Many representatives carried historic flags or flags representing their organizations. The combined color guard led a procession that marched to a drummer and fifer from the Mt Vernon Pamela Cunningham Administrative building, past the mansion, to an open field adjacent to the tomb of George and Martha Washington.

The Color Guard presented colors to open the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. Guest speaker was LtGen Leslie Smith, U.S. Army (retired). Participating for the Loudoun County based Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter VA SAR were: Chapter president Barry Schwoerer who carried a musket to lead the troop of flags; Warner Workman who captured the event in photographs; and Ken Bonner who marched with members in civilian attire.

Following the commemoration of the founding of the U.S. Army the color guard led a procession to the tomb of George and Martha Washington. The gate to the tomb was opened allowing a wreath representing all participants to be presented honoring the Washingtons. The Sons of the American Revolution then conducted a Patriot Grave Marking ceremony for both George and Martha Washington. The contributions of General Washington during the Revolution are well known. Less well known were the patriotic contributions of Martha Washington. She frequently followed her husband to Army encampments where she tended the sick and wounded, provided clothing, mended clothing, and contributed to the welfare of the troops in many ways.

After the Patriot Grave Marking Ceremony was complete participants were given the opportunity to place a red carnation at the foot of the Washington’s caskets.