A Salute to Revolutionary War Hero Daniel Morgan: Sons of the American Revolution lead commemoration ceremony

In the heart of Virginia, a significant piece of American history was honored recently. The Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) led a commemoration of Daniel Morgan, an unsung hero of the American Revolutionary War, and his arduous Beeline March.

Participants from the DAR and SAR standing l. to r. Michelle Phillips, Brett Osborn, Ann Simmons, Jim Cridge, Jim Simmons, Mark Day, Bill Schwetke, Kelly Ford, Ken Bonner, Marc Robinson, Ernie Coggins, Bryan Buck, Pete Davenport, Brian Bayliss, Barry Schwoerer, Allan Phillips, Michael Wilson, Paul McComb, Mark Jackson, Ken Morris, Catherine Collins, and Paul Christensen. Kneeling l. to r. Doug Hall, Chip Daniel, Chris Melhuish, Sean Carrigan, Dale Corey, Marc Crain, and Mark Sink. (Photo courtesy of Brian Bayliss.)

The ceremony, conducted on 17 June 2023 at Morgan’s tomb in Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia, saw participation from nine SAR Chapters, two Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapters, the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) Society, and the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America (OFPA).

Back in June 1775, the Continental Congress ordered the formation of two companies of Virginia riflemen to aid George Washington in Boston. Two commanders, Hugh Stephenson, and Daniel Morgan, raced to raise companies, with Morgan’s unit of Frederick Militia, famously known as “Morgan’s Riflemen,” becoming particularly renowned.

Morgan’s unit embarked on a grueling 600-mile march known as the Beeline March from Virginia to Boston, which they completed in a mere 21 days. The march underlined the fervor and commitment of the colonists to their cause. Morgan continued to serve the colonial cause in the Revolutionary War, with significant impacts at the Battles of Saratoga and Cowpens.

The commemoration ceremony was marked with reverence and respect. Dale Corey emceed the event, with chaplain services provided by Reverend Jim Simmons. A 19-guardsman-strong Virginia State Color Guard presented and posted the colors while Michael Wilson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Virginia Society President Ernie Coggins provided a summary of Morgan’s significant contribution to the Revolutionary War.

The musket squad firing a salute. (Photo courtesy of Dale Corey.)

Wreath presenters l. to r. Pete Davenport, Ernie Coggins, Paul Christensen, Ken Morris, Mark Crain, Dave Cook, Bryan Buck, Michael Wilson, Mark Day, Katherine Collins, Michelle Phillips, Jocelyn Wilson, and Ken Bonner. (Photo courtesy of Brian Bayliss.)

The ceremony included the presentation of wreaths by representatives from SAR chapters, DAR, and C.A.R. societies. As the event concluded, a 15-man squad fired a musket salute, honoring the memory of Daniel Morgan and his iconic Beeline March. The event served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and trials faced by the revolutionaries in their quest for independence.