Washington's 1796 Farewell Address Commemorated on his 292nd Birthday

The Culpeper Masonic Cemetery holds the Graves of Revolutionary War General Edward Stevens, Colonel John Jameson and Lieutenant David Jameson. Their graves marked the site of a commemoration of General and President George Washington on the 292nd anniversary of his birth. The site was chosen because General Stevens was much admired by General Washington for his actions at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, and the fact Stevens led the Culpeper Minutemen at the Battle of Great Bridge, one of the first Revolutionary War battles in Virginia.

The commemoration focused on Washington's 1796 address where he declined a third term as President and gave his thoughts about issues that the people of the United States must consider for the Republic to survive. His thoughts are relevant today. The event was hosted by the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter Virginia SAR. Other Virginia SAR chapters participating included: The Colonel Fielding Lewis Chapter, The Colonel James Wood II Chapter, and the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter. The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter was represented by President Barry Schwoerer who presented the Chapter wreath, provided a musket escort for presentation of Colors, and fired a three-shot musket volley to honor President Washington.