Patriot grave marking ceremony with Sons of the American Revolution

On August 14, 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a patriot grave marking ceremony held in Stafford, Virginia, to honor John Wallace.

Colonel James Wood II Chapter compatriots and dual members, from left to right: Marc Robinson, Sean Carrigan, Charles Jameson, Dave Cook, Bruce Meyer (Virginia SAR President) Bill Schwetke, Ken Bonner and Dale Corey. (Photo courtesy of Anita Bonner)

Wallace was a patriot from Stafford County. He enlisted with his twin brother, Thomas. They participated at the Valley Forge encampment as well as other battles and campaigns for the duration of the Revolutionary War.

The ceremony was co-sponsored by the Colonel Fielding Lewis (CFL) SAR Chapter and the Falls of the Rappahanock DAR Chapter. Jim Wachter, President of CFL and Seth Roderick (CFL) emceed the commemoration with support from the Virginia State Color Guard.

The color guard was led by Brett Osborn (Colonel James Wood II Chapter CJWII) and honor guard led by Ken Bonner (Sgt Maj John Champe) composed of members from Colonel Fielding Lewis, Colonel James Wood II, Culpeper Minutemen, Fairfax Resolves, George Mason and Williamsburg Chapters. Bruce Meyer, President of the Virginia Society presented greetings along with Susan Wachter (Regent, Washington Lewis DAR Chapter), Susan Harvin (Regent, Falls of the Rappahannock DAR Chapter), Delegate Tara Durant (Virgina House of Delegates) and Darrell English (Stafford County Board of Supervisors).

Bagpiper Stephen Boulton and Dale Corey at Present Arms. (Photo courtesy of Beth Stenstrom)

Thirteen wreaths were presented, followed by a three round musket salute. The color guard/musket squad was composed of the following compatriots: From Colonel James Wood II – Sean Carrigan, Dale Corey, Erick Moore, Patrick Moore, Brett Osborn (Northern Region Color Guard Commander), Clay Robinson, Marc Robinson, Mike St Jacques and Richard Tyler; Colonel Fielding Lewis – John Hamilton; Culpeper Minutemen – Charles Jameson and Bill Schwetke; Fairfax Resolves – Dave Cook; George Mason – Ken Morris; Jamestown – Chris Melhuish (Virginia State Color Guard Commander); Sgt Maj John Champe – Ken Bonner and Barry Schwoerer; and Williamsburg – John Lynch.

Virginia State Combined Color Guard, from left to right: Marc Robinson, Barry Schwoerer, Dave Cook, Sean Carrigan, Bill Schwetke, Dale Corey, Charles Jameson, Bruce Meyer (Virginia State President), Clay Robinson, Erick Moore, Mike St Jacques, John Hamilton, Richard Tyler, Ken Morris, John Lynch, Ken Bonner, Patrick Moore, Chris Melhuish (Virginia State Color Guard Commander) and Brett Osborn. (Photo courtesy of Anita Bonner)