Unknown Revolutionary War soldier commemorated in Alexandria

The Historic Cemetery at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Old Town Alexandria holds the remains of an Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. Chapters of Sons, Daughters and Children of the American Revolution assembled at noon on Saturday, February 15, to honor the fallen soldier in a solemn ceremony. General George Washington (Brian Hilton) and his minister, the Reverend Massey (Tom Costa) participated in honor of the soldier.

From the November 12, 1950 Evening Star, District of Columbia:

"The church (Old Presbyterian Meeting House) was built in 1774, and the unknown soldier is believed to have died at Alexandria when the city was a hospitalization center during the Revolution. Probably because of the necessity for hasty burials, and ammunition box was used as his coffin. The grave was apparently forgotten until 1821 when excavators accidentally dug into it. Frangments of the uniform and insignia identified the grave as that of a Revolutionary War soldier. The grave was moved a few feet to avoid the excavation work and again was closed. The grave was again forgotten for more than a century until it was marked by the American Legion in 1923. A year later a monument was placed over it by the National Society Children of the American Revolution."

A Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution color guard advanced, presented, posted the colors. After the ceremony was complete the color guard retired the colors. Attendees laid roses on the soldier's tomb. General Washington was first to place a rose. The Reverend Massey stood to the side reciting passages from the Bible while attendees placed roses. Wreaths from each attending chapter were positioned in front of the tomb to honor the soldier.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter from Loudoun County was represented by President Barry Schwoerer who carried the Virginia Society SAR flag in Color Guard, presented his chapter's wreath and laid a rose on the soldier's tomb.

For more information about the John Champe Chapter visit our website at: https://johnchampe-sar.org