Sign Dedication Honors Revolutionary War Patriots at Trinity Lutheran Church

On November 23, 2024, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) held a moving dedication ceremony at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stephens City, Virginia. The event commemorated the installation of a William G. Pomeroy Foundation roadside marker, recognizing the burial site of Revolutionary War patriots.

(Courtesy of Chip Daniel)

The marker is part of the Pomeroy Foundation’s initiative to honor community history and Revolutionary War heroes’ resting places. Based in New York, the foundation is dedicated to preserving historical legacies and raising awareness about blood cancer care and research.

Honoring History in a Solemn Ceremony

On a crisp, breezy autumn day, 36 participants gathered for the event. Dale Corey served as emcee, with opening ceremonies led by Reverend James Simmons, who gave the invocation. The Virginia State SAR Color Guard presented the colors, followed by Marshall DeHaven leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Philip Hunter reciting the SAR Pledge.

Color Guard presenting colors l. to r. Allan Phillips, Barry Schwoerer, Ken Bonner, and Kelly Ford (Courtesy of Sean Carrigan)

Virginia Society SAR President William Greaf offered welcoming remarks, reflecting on the significance of honoring Revolutionary War patriots. A brief biography of the patriots buried at Trinity Lutheran Church was presented, providing attendees with a deeper connection to the past.

Marc Robinson and Reverend Simmons led the dedication, joined by Pastor Janice M. Lowden of Trinity Lutheran Church. Sean Carrigan and Richard Tyler assisted in unveiling the new marker. The Virginia State SAR Color Guard stood as sentinels throughout the event, adding dignity to the proceedings.

Participants Pay Tribute

Wreaths were laid by several organizations, including six SAR chapters, three Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapters, and two Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) societies. This gesture honored the patriots buried at the site, ensuring their legacy endures.

Kneeling l. to r. Anita Bonner, Michael Wilson, Jacob Schwoerer, Sean Carrigan, Allan Phillips, Chip Daniel, and Dale Corey. 1st row standing Jocelyn Wilson, Jim Simmons, Phil Hunter, Kecia Brown, and Michelle Phillips. 2nd row standing Jodell Wilson, Ed Spannaus, Brett Osborn, Ken Bonner, Kelly Ford, Barry Schwoerer, Richard Tyler, Bill Greaf, Bryan Buck, Will Reynolds, Paul Christensen, Eric Robinson, Ken Morris, Marc Robinson and Tom Roth. (Courtesy of Chip Daniel)

Notable participants included:

• SAR Members: From the Colonel James Wood II Chapter: Commander Allan Phillips, Safety Officer Richard Tyler, Bryan Buck, Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Chip Daniel, Kelly Ford, Philip Hunter, Brett Osborn, Will Reynolds, Eric Robinson, Marc Robinson, and Reverend James Simmons. From the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter: Ken Bonner, Barry Schwoerer, and Jacob Schwoerer. From the George Mason Chapter: Ken Morris. From the George Washington Chapter: Tom Roth. From the Colonel William Grayson Chapter: Michael Wilson.
• DAR Members: Kecia Brown (Ketoctin Chapter and SAR/DAR Virginia Liaison), Anita Bonner (Lane’s Mill Chapter), Michelle Phillips (Pack Horse Ford Chapter, WV), Jodell Wilson, and Anne Simmons.
• C.A.R. Members: Jacob Schwoerer (Reverend John Marks Society) and Jocelyn Wilson (Providence Society).
• Other Notables: Pastor Janice M. Lowden of Trinity Lutheran Church and several SAR Color Guard members providing escort and sentinel services.

Concluding with Unity

The ceremony concluded with Dale Corey and Jocelyn Wilson leading the audience in a stirring rendition of God Bless America, reinforcing the event’s patriotic spirit.

Preserving Patriot Legacies

The dedication of the marker at Trinity Lutheran Church underscores the ongoing efforts of the SAR and Pomeroy Foundation to preserve Revolutionary War history. By marking these historic sites, they ensure that the sacrifices of America’s early defenders are honored for generations to come.