Cincinnati Chapter Sons of the American Revolution

Cincinnati PATRIOTVolume 31, Issue 9, September 2017

CCSAR Summer Picnic

On the 13th of August, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution hosted their 3rd Annual Summer Picnic. It was held at the Great Meadows Shelter in Sharon Woods. President Jack Bredenfoerder and Laurie, his wife, coordinated our traditional picnic lunch.

We were pleased to welcome some very distinguished guests to our picnic this year: Jim Crane, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, Department of Ohio Commander Richard Davis, President of the Ohio Society of the War of 1812

The Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard members who were present found time in the schedule to practice some Von Steuben style marching and manual-of-arms movements. This activity was led by Compatriot Brad Jarard.

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The Cincinnati Patriot

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2017 CCSAR Officers

John H. Bredenfoerder

President Jack.b@fuse.net

Turner Lee Wilkerson III

1st Vice President

leewilkerson@cinci.rr.com

Larry W. Collins

2nd Vice President

Gary L. Duffield

Secretary

Michael J. Blum

Treasurer

mblum@fuse.net

Franz B. Ott, II

Registrar remingtnstorm@gmail.com

George H. Stewart, Jr.

Historian

Shaun P. Smith Webmaster

Kenneth G. Carpenter Chaplain

BOM Members Gregory D. Ballman Jeffrey M. Hartman James H. Houston Bradley Jarard

And All Living Past Presidents

Presidents Message

Compatriots,

In January, the Board of Management agreed that we should increase our participation and visibility in the events of our community. I am happy to report that we are not just meeting that goal, but I believe we are exceeding it!

We continue to participate in many grave marking events, naturalizations, Honor Flights and presentations at ROTC and JROTC award ceremonies.

Our youth contests and awards programs have grown over the past several years. This past spring we conducted a special Youth Awards Night where we honored all our winners, their parents and many teachers. Many of our winners went on to place in the Ohio Society contests with our Poster Contest winner taking 1st place. The poster entry then went on to the national contest in Knoxville. We also made presentations at many of the winners’ schools' Awards Day ceremonies. Educators are beginning to seek us out. That is amazing!

We have reached out to many local lineage societies and participated in several joint events. Beyond our traditional DAR partners, we have developed new relationships with the 1812 Society and The Sons of the Union Veterans. Our liaison to the CAR, Compatriot Paul Wilke, attended the CAR state meeting and continues to foster a strong relationship them.

In the Cincinnati Communities: • We continue working to develop a strong presence in the North Bend Community. We haveparticipated in: the William Henry Harrison Memorial ceremony; a historical Revolutionary Lifepresentation at the North Bend Historical Society; Youth Programs at Taylor Middle School; andthe Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Ceremony.• In the Mason Community we continue to support the Patriot Fair and the Mason PatriotsParade.• We marched in the Madeira Independence Day Parade for the second year in a row. We havealso revived our participation in the Montgomery Independence Day Parade after a several-year absence.• We returned to serve as the Color Guard for the Purple Heart Day Memorial Ceremonies onFountain Square.• In Anderson Township, we served as the Color Guard at the dedication of the new AndersonTownship Veterans Memorial.• In Hamilton, we continue to support Wreaths Across America activities. In addition, onSeptember 15th we will now be presenting a Day of Patriotism to more than 700 HamiltonGarfield Middle School students and their teachers.

Through our Naturalization activities, we have developed and built many strong relationships with several of our area’s esteemed Federal Judges. We have presented Ohio Society Challenge Coins to all who have officiated the ceremonies. Further more, we have had the distinct pleasure to welcome Judge Michael R. Barrett as the speaker at our Presidents’ Day luncheon. We nominated Judge Barrett for a Silver Good Citizenship medal and helped present it to him at the Annual Ohio Society Awards Dinner in May.

The Cincinnati Chapter currently holds four Ohio Society officer positions: National Trustee, President, Secretary and Treasurer. This representation further magnifies our presence in not only the Cincinnati community, but the state as well. (cont. on page 2)

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Thanks to Compatriot Shaun Smith, our social media presence has grown to include our chapter blog, a chapter store and the CCSAR Twitter account that complement our website and Facebook presence. Many articles are now appearing on the Cincinnati Enquirer website and in the printed Enquirer and Community Press papers thanks to the untiring efforts of Compatriot Mike Gunn. Compatriot George Stewart has uncovered many interesting and historical chapter stories that are now being shared through our media network. Compatriot Duffield continues to consistently follow through with our new-member and community communications. We are also grateful for the quality and timeliness of The Cincinnati Patriot by Editor Jeff Hartman.

This summary presents just the most recent highlights. Every time one of you appears in uniform, serves at a community function or shares a chapter story with a friend, we continue to grow, share and magnify the principles of patriotism. This growth has truly been a group effort and I am truly honored to serve this chapter of outstanding men. It is no wonder that we were honored with the Liberty Bell Award at the Congress in Knoxville. I salute you all and look forward to your continuing extraordinary and exemplary success!

In patriotism, Jack

Interesting, But Little Known, Chapter History

George Stewart, Chapter Historian

It is interesting to note some of the trials and successes of the early history of the Cincinnati Chapter. In June 1898, the sum of $25 was given to the Daughters of the American Revolution for aid in their work with soldiers and sailors in the Spanish-American War. In terms of cash value today, that would equal about $700.

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The Cincinnati Patriot

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CCSAR Anderson Township Veterans Memorial

The Cincinnati SAR Nolan Carson Memorial Color Guard was honored to post the colors for the dedication of the new Anderson Township Veterans Memorial at 7850 Five Mile Road, 45230 on the evening of August 3rd. The Memorial was a labor of love for the Anderson Township Community. Its construction has scanned several years. Representative veterans for each of the five service branches presented their respective service flags and flowers were presented by their wives. The Color Guard concluded the ceremony with a seven musket salute. Compatriots participating were Acting Commander Lee Wilkerson, CCSAR President Jack Bredenfoerder, CCSAR Immediate Past President Mike Gunn, Compatriots Ed Bonniwell, Brad Jarard, Dan Schmitz and George Stewart.

-CCSAR President Jack Bredenfoerder

Photos by Carole Gunn

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The Cincinnati Patriot

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Honor Flight - August

Four Cincinnati Compatriots: Jack Bredenfoerder, George Stewart, Michael Blum and Michael Gunn, participated in the August 22, 2017 Honor Flight Return at CVG, where they posted colors and welcomed more than 70 Veterans back from their trip to Washington, D.C.

Michael B. Gunn, Ph.D., Past President, Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution;

Coming Events

Please see the chapter’s coming events. September is going to be a very busy month, especially the second weekend where we have events four days straight.

The highlight of the September events may be the Garfield Middle School presentation. The Chapter will be presenting the Miller Flag Collection, posting colors, delivering a musket-fire demonstration, and educating the students about the Revolutionary War Soldiers’ life and equipment.

Please come and join us for these great events!

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The Cincinnati Patriot

September 2017

CCSAR Joins Purple Heart Day Ceremony Contributed By: MICHAEL GUNN | CCSAR

The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution was joined by five members of the Hocking Valley Chapter in support of the Purple Heart Day ceremony and celebration at Fountain Square in Downtown Cincinnati August 7th. This event is hosted y chapters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (No. 3620 and No. 156) and sponsored by the Fifth Third Bank and Korean War Veterans Assn. of Greater Cincinnati at the P&G stage in Cincinnati.

On August 7th, 1782, George Washington created the Purple Heart award. Washington had long wanted an award for rank and file soldiers who performed meritoriously in combat. From his headquarters at Newburgh, New York, Washington issued an order that read in part: "The General ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward."

The heart-shaped purple cloth medal was originally called the "Badge of Military Merit," and contained the word "Merit," surrounded by oak leaves. Those awarded the medal were to have their name recorded in a special book and were given the privilege of walking through any sentry or guard, just like officers could do. This was the first time a major military power presented rank and file soldiers with an award for meritorious conduct in a time when awards usually went to the officers.

Historians have verified only three recipients of the Badge of Military Merit during the Revolution, although there are some others who may have received it. One who did is Sgt. William Brown 1759-1808,

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who is buried at the Pioneer Cemetery near Lunken Airport in Cincinnati. The reason for so few awards of the medal is unclear, but it probably had to do with the fact that the war was almost over when it was created. The medal was never officially discontinued, but fell out of use for over a century.

In 1918, Gen. John Pershing revived the idea of a badge of merit. Gen. Charles Summerall, US Army Chief of Staff, pushed the idea of reviving the badge in 1927. In 1931, his successor, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, pushed the idea further and the US War Department announced the creation of the "Order of the Purple Heart" on George Washington's 200th birthday, Feb. 22,1932. The awards could be given to anyone who had met certain criteria as far back as April 5, 1917.

The August 7th ceremony included the presentation of a framed Purple Heart Stamp to the Korean War Veterans Association, the “Missing Man Ceremony” performed by Green Township VFW Post 10380 and the reading of the names of 80 service members with ties to the Cincinnati area who fought and died in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

With the retiring of the colors and the playing of Taps, this sobering ceremony was concluded with a casual audience in the misting rain.

Reminder

CCSAR Constitution Day Luncheon

Sunday September 10th at 2 PM

at the Crowne Plaza in Blue Ash

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Naturalization CeremoniesCompatriot Jerry Knight welcomed more than 60 new US Citizens at the naturalization ceremonies held at the Southern Ohio Federal District Courthouse on Friday, July 28th. The Honorable Susan J. Dlott presided. Judge Dlott specifically requested a photo with Compatriot Knight.

CCSAR President Jack Bredenfoerder and Compatriot Jerry Knight welcomed 72 new US Citizens at the naturalization ceremonies held at the Southern Ohio Federal District Courthouse on Friday, August 11th. The Honorable Karen L. Litkovitzpresided over the ceremonies.

Cincinnati SAR President Jack Bredenfoerder and Compatriot Ken Carpenter welcomed 102 new citizens at a naturalization ceremony held at the Clermont NE High School at 5321 Hutchinson Road, Batavia, Ohio 45103 on Friday, August 25th. The Honorable Stephanie K. Bowman presided over the ceremonies.

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The Cincinnati Patriot

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We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.

Benjamin Franklin

Blue Licks Battlefield Memorial

With the surrender of British General Cornwallis at Yorktown, many Kentuckians hoped that the Revolutionary War actions of attacks on their homes and settlements had come to an end. Unknown to them, a large force of British and Indians had gathered at Old Chillicothe, Ohio, to prepare for a raid on the frontier settlements.

On August 19, 1782 a band of Indians under the direction of the British and led by Simon Girty* ambushed 182 Kentucky County of Virginia pioneers at Blue Licks, in current Nicholas County. The settlers lost the battle with a loss of 62, including the son of Daniel Boone. This event of the struggle at Blue Licks embodies the conflict between the American Indian, Kentucky settlers, and the British Crown.

The Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (CCSAR) joined a group of 75 to remember and honor the memory of those 62 brave Patriots who lost their lives at one of the very last battles associated with the Revolutionary War. We placed wreaths, Posted Colors, and fired three Musket rounds to show our respect during the 90 minute tribute.

* Girty was an American colonial of Scots-Irish birth who served as a liaison between the British and their Indian allies during theAmerican Revolution.

Photos and Article by Michael B. Gunn, Ph.D., Past President, Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

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The Cincinnati Patriot

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For the Good of the Order

Editor Jeff Hartman 3020 Shaker Road Franklin, OH 45005 flintlockjeff@gmail.com

2017 COMING CHAPTER EVENTS

Wed Sep 6th CCSAR BOM Meeting 6 PM Dinner, 7 PM Meeting, Crown Plaza Fri Sep 8th Naturalization 2 PM USDC Room 842 Sun Sep 10th Constitution Day Luncheon, 2 PM Crowne Plaza, Blue Ash Thur Sept 14h Naturalization 10 AM Miami University – Hamilton Campus Fri Sept 15th Garfield Middle School History Presentation, Hamilton, OH 9:30 AM Sat Sept 16th Mason Patriot Parade, Mason, OH 10 AM Sun Sept 17th Battle of Freemans Farm, Saratoga National Battlefield Park, Stillwater, NY Sat Sept 23rd Patriot Fair, Mason, OH 9 AM – 5 PM Tue Sept 26th Honor Flight, CVG, 9:30 PM Sept 29-30 NSSAR Fall Leadership Meeting, Louisville, KY Sun Oct 1st George Vest Grave Marking, Verona, KY Wed Oct 4th CCSAR BOM Meeting 6 PM Dinner, 7 PM Meeting, Crown Plaza Fri Oct 6th Naturalization 2 PM USDC Room 842

Membership Any man of age eighteen (18) years or over, who is a lineal descendant of an ancestor who supported the war for American Independence is eligible for membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. Men under eighteen (18) may join as junior members.

If you are interested in membership or need help with your application please do not hesitate to contact the Chapter Registrar, Franz B. Ott, II, at 513-384-7411. remingtnstorm@gmail.com

Facebook – Compatriots, when you viewour Facebook page, please hit LIKE on the articles that are posted, even if you do not LIKE the article.

When you LIKE a posting, it is now able to be read by all of your Facebook Friends. This will help spread the word and promote all of the activities that we participate in.

For More Information about the CCSAR, please visit our website at: CincinnatiSAR.org

Our Facebook page also has many more photos of the events that you see highlighted here.

https://www.facebook.com/cincinnati.sar/?fref=nf

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