Local SAR Chapter participates in two events near Winchester

On September 21, three members of The Sgt Maj John Champe Champe(SMJC) Chapter Virginia SAR participated in the Commemoration of Constitution Day and the Marking of five Patriots of the American Revolution at Gainsboro Cemetery northwest of Winchester.

Constitution Day commemorates the date when delegates of 12 States signed the Constitution. All states except Rhode Island signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787. The Constitutional Convention convened in Philadelphia May 25, 1787. Ratification happened on June 21, 1788 when New Hampshire became the ninth state to vote for ratification. Participating for the SMJC Chapter were President Barry Schwoerer who carried the SAR 250 Flag in presentation of Colors, Vice President Mark Sink who carried a musket as an honor Guard for colors, and Past President Ken Bonner. Mr. Schwoerer presented the chapter wreath in honor of the men who wrote and then signed the Constitution.

The next ceremony was the dedication of a monument listing eight Patriots of the American Revolution. Three Patriots had been previously recognized. Patriots honored on September 21 were: William Hogue Jr who served as a Corporal and provided material Aide; John Stonebridge who provided material aide; Joseph Pugh who provided material aid; Job Pugh who provided material Aid; and George Ruble/Ribel who provided material aid. Participating in the dedication for the SMJC Chapter were: President Barry Schwoerer who carried the SAR 250 flag in Color Guard, participated in a three-shot musket volley, and presented the chapter wreath; Vice President Mark Sink carried a musket as an honor guard for presentation of colors and was the commander for the musket volley; Ken Bonner gave honors to the Patriots by presenting a wreath for the Virginia Society SAR. In addition to being a member of the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter, Mr. Bonner is 3rd Vice President of Virginia SAR.

National SAR Secretary General Michael J. Elston, Esq., represented the National Society SAR and presented the National SAR wreath in honor of the Patriots. Mr. Elston is a past President of Virginia SAR and a member of the George Washington Chapter, VASSAR.