Major General Dr. Joseph Warren, a Profile in Courage

Members of the James Wood Chapter of The Sons of the American Revolution will be placing plaques in the public schools commemorating Joseph Warren for whom the county is named.

Here is schedule of dates, locations, and times of presentation of plaques to our schools and presentations to Samuels Library and Warrant Heritage Society. Each event will be 15 minutes in length.

Program:

• Opening Remarks-Dale Corey, President of Col. James Wood II Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

• Pledge of Alliances-Dale Carpenter- Second Vice President of James Wood II Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

• Tribute to Dr. Joseph Warren-Larry Johnson, Liberty Man, Former President, Col James Wood II Chapter.

• Presentation of the Historic Plaque- President Corey and Color Guard to School.

• Words of Dedication-Jims Simmons, Chaplain, Col. James Wood II Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

• Acceptance-Appropriation School Representative.

• Dismissal-Dale Corey.

Schools addresses and dates of Ceremonies of the Dr. Joseph Warren Plaques.
22 May – 2:00, E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School, 40 Crescent St, Front Royal
23 May – 2:00, Warren County High School, 155 Westminster Dr, Front Royal
24 May – 9:30, Warren County Middle School, 522 Heritage Dr, Front Royal
28 May – 9:30, Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School, 290 Westminster Dr, Front Royal
30 May – 9:00, Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary School, 1015 Stonewall Jackson Dr, Front Royal
30 May – 10:30, A. S. Rhodes Elementary School, 224 W. Strasburg Rd, Front Royal
30 May – 2:00, Ressie Jeffress Elementary School, 320 E. Criser Rd, Front Royal
3 Jun – 10:00, Skyline High School, 151 Skyline Vista Dr, Front Royal
3 Jun – 2:00, Skyline Middle School, 240 Luray Ave, Front Royal

Additional, two presentations to community organizations.
11 Jun – 10:00, Samuels Library.
12 Jun – 4:00, Warren Heritage Society.

Tribute by The Rt. Rev. Larry W. Johnson:

Warren County founded in 1836 is named for American Patriot Major General Dr. Joseph Warren.

Dr. Joseph Warren was born June 11, 1741 and martyred June 17, 1775 at the Battle of Bunker Hill. His death came upon the third siege of the British Army seeking to stamp out the American rebellion. Joseph Warren upon learning of the impending battle to take place at Bunker Hill rode there but declined to take charge of the colonial forces, under Colonial Commanders Israel Putnam and William Prescott, even though holding the rank of Major General. Joseph Warren desired to serve as a private in the trenches with his fellow soldiers. The Americans fought fiercely but being out of powder and musket balls the Patriots were forced back by the third British wave. General Warren rallying the Americans, wounded and bayoneted in the leg, fought on encouraging his fellow patriot soldiers to resist. A musket ball to his head instantly ended his life; the British prevailed but lost 50% of their Army. British General Thomas Gage ordered that Joseph’s body be mutilated beyond recognition and quickly buried. Two days later the British dug up Joseph’s body and further desecrated it by spitting on it, jumping on it and cutting off his head. He was again thrown into a shallow grave. General Gage reportedly said, “Warren’s death is equal to 500 men.”

Before the battle Dr. Warren’s mother begged him not to risk his life. He answered, “Where danger is, dear mother, there must your son be. Now is no time for any of America’s children to shrink from any hazard. I will set her free or die.” Dr. Warren, a widower, and Harvard educated Doctor of Medicine, at 34 years of age left four children. The United States Continental Congress voted to support his children until they were of age indicating our nation’s appreciation for this heroic patriot. Abigail Adams wrote her husband, John Adams, of her grief at this loss and lamented he would have been our President. In the early days of the American Rebellion his name inspired America, and only later, as General George Washington took charge, did Dr. Joseph Warren’s star began to set. But he remains America’s first great hero and a Founding Father of our Independent and Free United States of America.

Presentation of donation for Dr. Joseph Warren interpretive signage

County flags at half-mast to honor County’s namesake, Dr. Joseph Warren

Warren County named after the greatest martyr of the American Revolution