Neighbor News
SIGN MARKING McILHANY CEMETERY DEDICATED NEAR HILLSBORO
The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter Sponsored the dedication of a Pomeroy Foundation sign marking the public easement to a Historic Cemetery
On November 9 near Hillsboro, the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter sponsored the dedication of a Pomeroy Foundation sign. marking the entry to a public easement leading 110 yards to the Historic McIlhany Family Cemetery. The President of Virginia SAR, Dr. William "Bill" Greaf attended, brought greetings for all Virginia SAR Compatriots and presented a wreath honoring Patriots of the American Revolution buried in the cemetery. Captain James McIlhany and Virginia Navy Lieutenant William H. Parker are interred here. Markers commemorating the fact they are Patriots were dedicated in 2023 in a ceremony sponsored by the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter (SMJC), Virginia SAR.
An Honor guard advanced and posted the flags of the United States and Virginia. Ken Bonner (SMJC) was Honor Guard Commander with Mark Sink (SMJC) Lead musket, Dale Corey (Col James Wood II (CJW-II)) carrying the U.S. Flag, Bryan Buck (CJW-II) carrying the Flag of Virginia and Sean Carrigan (CJW-II) Trail musket. Kelly Ford and Chip Daniel, both from the Col James Wood II Chapter were sentries for the Color Guard, with flags posted in place.
Wreaths were presented by Barry Schwoerer (SMJC), Bill Greaf (President VASSAR), Ken Morris (George Mason), Paul Christensen (CJW-II), Anne Ballenger (Mary Hemings Bell DAR), Elizabeth Greaf (Ann Wager DAR & 1st Lady VASSAR), Michelle Phillips (Pack Horse Ford WV DR) and Cynthia Strassberg (Descendants of George Washington's Army at Valley Forge)
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A combined SAR Firelock squad fired a three-round volley using reproduction black powder flintlock rifles and muskets. Fire squad commander was Mark Sink and Safety observer was Ken Bonner.
Following the ceremony Mr. Greg Wojtkun was awarded a SAR Bronze Good citizenship medal. The citation read: "In 2023 Mr. Wotjkun used his personal tractor to help clean and restore the cemetery and to push debris from around the cemetery stone walls into the forest surrounding the Cemetery. Since then he has kept the public easement clear and kept SAR informed when weeds needed to cut inside the cemetery walls. In September 2024 he helped install the Pomeroy sign. He is under no obligation to do these things. He is a Patriot, a Veteran and a good friend of our chapter and Virginia SAR."
