Dedication of Plaques Memorializing Patriots of the American Revolution and War of 1812, Old City Cemetery, Lynchburg, VA

The Virginia Society SAR and the Society of the War of 1812 in the Commonwealth of Virginia conducted a joint dedication of plaques memorializing the veterans of both wars interred at the Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia on 6 October. The Old City Cemetery dates back to 1806 and is one of the oldest public cemeteries in continuous use since its founding with nearly 20,000 burials.  It is on the National Register of Historic Places. 
 The event was planned by Compatriot Mark Day of the Thomas Jefferson Chapter.  Chuck Poland, 1st Vice President of the  Fincastle Resolutions VASSAR Chapter and Past President of the Virginia Society of the War of 1812 served as master of ceremonies.  The Revolutionary War plaque, listing 16 veterans, was unveiled by Patrick Kelly, VASSAR President; and the War of 1812 plaque, listing 47 veterans, was unveiled by Past President of the Virginia War of 1812 Dennis Fritts.  The joint color guard of both societies advanced the colors and gave a musket salute and was led by Compatriot Brett Osborn of the Col. James Wood VASSAR Chapter.  Paul Walden, Past President of the George Washington VASSAR Chapter and current Secretary of the Virginia Society of the War of 1812 served as Chaplain.  Greetings were given by Denise McDonald, Executive Director of the Old City Cemetery, VASSAR President Patrick Kelly, and Past President of the Virginia Society of the War of 1812 and VASSAR Compatriot Mike Lyman.  Compatriot Lyman deserves tremendous recognition for identifying many of these graves in his exhaustive research of patriot burials in Virginia. 
 Submitted by Paul Walden

Plaques Listing the Veterans of the American Revolution and War of 1812 Unveiled at Ceremony

Joint Color Guard and Musket Volley

VASSAR President Kelly Unveils American Revolution Plaque

Past President, Society of the War of 1812 in VA, Dennis Fritts Unveils War of 1812 Plaque

Wreath Presentations (photo by Dick Fickling)