The District of Columbia Society Sons of the American Revolution (“DCSAR”), the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution (“DCDAR”), the District of Columbia Children of the American Revolution (“DC C.A.R.”) and members of many other lineage and patriotic organizations gathered on the Fourth of July 2023 at 10:00am for our traditional Independence Day kickoff at Congressional Cemetery. The purpose was to honor and remember Vice President Elbridge Gerry and all the other Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Vice President Gerry is the only Signer buried in Washington, D.C. Following the welcoming, Compatriot The Rev. Dr. John D. Stonesifer, Chaplain of the DCSAR, provided the invocation and concluded the program with the benediction.
Sheri O’Connell, DCDAR State Organizing Secretary and State America 250! Chair presented the DCSAR with DAR America 250! Commendation for the demonstration of extraordinary efforts in raising awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America’s 250 Anniversary that was accepted by President Ritchie.
Seven new compatriots were given the oath by DCSAR Secretary Paul Hays.
Michael David James Bouchard is the 6th great grandson of John Kenton, who served as a Sergeant in the Lincoln County, Virginia Militia under Capt. Simon Kenton and Gen. George Rogers Clark.
Justin Hey Debs is the 7th great grandson of Isaac Larue of Frederick County VA, who has been established to have rendered material aid to the patriot cause.
Christopher Michael Harvin is the 6th great grandson of Richard Harvin, who served as a Private in the South Carolina Militia. Chris joined with his 8-year-old son Wilkins MacMillan Harvin, who couldn’t be here today.
Clayton Alan Bond is the 4th great grandson of William Bond, who served as a Private in both the 1st Virginia and 2nd Georgia Regiments. Clayton’s application was approved just a few days ago through the Michigan Society but transferred his membership to DCSAR.
Jeremy Robert Smith is the 6th great grandson of Daniel Dodge, who served as a Corporal in the Connecticut Militia under Captains. Ely and Lytle.
Dan Thomas Stanford 6th great grandfather was Abraham Yingling, an Associator in Frederick County MD. Dan’s three sons all joined with him under the SAR’s family plan. The eldest, Army Captain David J. Stanford, was present, but middle son Andrew Christopher Stanford is stationed with the Army Corps of Engineers in Romania, and the youngest, 1LT Stephen Lee, is on duty with Army Intelligence at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
A light buffet was served to guests at the conclusion of the program.