Sons of the American Revolution Honor Veterans in Wreaths Across America Ceremonies

Members of the Col. James Wood II Chapter (CJWII) of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), participated in a series of solemn and meaningful Wreaths Across America ceremonies held in Clarke and Loudoun counties this December. The events were held in partnership with the Ketoctin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to honor American veterans who served from the Revolutionary War through the present day.

Honoring the Past at North Hill Cemetery

The first ceremony took place at North Hill Cemetery in Clarke County, where members of the SAR Color Guard, commanded by Dale Corey, presented the National Colors and fired a traditional three-round musket salute in tribute to those buried at the site.

SAR and DAR participants at North Hill Cemetery. (PhotoS courtesy of John Phillips.)

Among the honored was Elizabeth “Betsey” Lewis-Carter, daughter of Colonel Fielding Lewis and niece of George Washington, underscoring the region’s deep historical roots.

The ceremony was led by Lori Fallace, Regent of the Ketoctin DAR, who guided attendees in remembrance of the lives and service of the veterans interred there.

SAR compatriots attending included members from the CJWII, Sgt. Maj. John Champe (SMJC), Culpeper Minutemen (CMM), and Fairfax Resolves (FR) chapters.

Ceremony at Ketoctin Baptist Church

The second ceremony was held at Ketoctin Baptist Church in Purcellville, where 81 veterans are buried, including 15 who served in the Revolutionary War.

US Military Wreath presenters.

Led once again by Lori Fallace, the ceremony included the placement of wreaths for all seven branches of the U.S. military, as well as a wreath honoring POWs and MIAs. Wreaths represented the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.

Following the formal presentation, volunteers placed wreaths on individual graves. Each person stepped back and paused to render honors—many with a salute or quiet reflection. The ceremony ended with a three-round musket volley by the Virginia SAR Color Guard, with members from CJWII, SMJC, and FR chapters participating.

Final Tribute at North Fork Baptist

Afterward, participants traveled to North Fork Regular Baptist Church, also in Purcellville, to lay wreaths on the graves of 47 additional veterans, including six Revolutionary War soldiers.

Virginia State Musket Squad firing a salute to veterans. (Photo courtesy of John Phillips.)

This final tribute was a joint effort between members of the Ketoctin DAR, Virginia SAR, the Rev. John Marks Society, Children of the American Revolution, and Scouting America. The gathering highlighted how honoring veterans is truly a community effort that spans generations.

 Those Who Served in the Ceremonies

SAR compatriots who participated in one or more of the day’s events included:

• Ken Bonnell
• Ken Bonner
• Bryan Buck
• Sean Carrington
• Paul Christensen
• Jim Cordes
• Dale Corey
• Thomas “Chip” Daniel
• Kelly Ford
• Doug Hall
• Charles Hunter
• Allan Phillips
• John Phillips
• Will Reynolds
• Bill Schwetke
• Barry Schwoerer
• Mark Sink
• Steve Van Deusen

Their dedication, along with the support of community partners and historical organizations, helped ensure that the legacy of America’s veterans is remembered and honored—not only during the holidays but throughout the year.