The seventy-ninth annual Jefferson Memorial Ceremony, in recognition of the 279th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, was held at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC on April13, 2022 commencing at 11 o’clock in the morning. Richard E. Patten, past president, District of Columbia Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”) served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event was presented by DCSAR in cooperation with The National Park Services within the United States Department of the Interior and The Military District of Washington. The Prelude, National Anthem, and Postlude were rendered by “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band Brass Quintet. The invocation and benediction were performed by Hillary Fisk, Chaplain, DC Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”). Guests were welcomed by Lori Swafford, Chief of Administration, National Mall and Memorial Parks. The presentation of wreaths followed.
The first wreath was presented at 9:00am on behalf of the President of the United States, The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., by Major General Allan Pepin, Commanding General, Military District of Washington.
The wreath from the Secretary of the Interior, the Honorable Deb Haaland was presented by Lori Swafford followed by the wreath from James E. Ryan, President of the University of Virginia presented by Mark and Lucy Duke Tonacci. Ginger Huang Dietrich presented the wreath on behalf of Leslie Greene Bowman, President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. The wreath from Rob Epps, President of the Monticello Association, was presented by Angus Slater Lamond Jr., 7th generation descendant of Thomas Jefferson.
Additional wreaths were presented by representatives of DCSAR, General Society of the War of 1812, NSSAR, MDSAR, VASAR, DCDAR, DC Children of the American Revolution, National Society United States Daughters of 1812, Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, NS Children of the American Colonists, Society of the Descendants of the Signers of the Constitution, Hereditary Order of the Families of Presidents & First Ladies of America, The National Society Descendants of American Farmers and the Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society.
The program concluded with the Sounding of “Taps” by GY Sgt Benjamin Albright, Bugler.