James Monroe's 260th Birthday at His Tomb

28 Apr 2018         Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, VA

Virginia SAR participants and attendees, left to right, front row: unknown, Josh Wilberger, George Corbett, Bill Greaf, 1st VP Peter Davenport, Charles Jameson, Dennis Peterson, Louis March, Mike Lyman, Peter Broadbent, Jonathan Comer; back row: Beau Robertson, 2nd VP Bill Schwetke, Charles Belfield, Bruce Meyer, Jim Russell, Dave Button.

     Today 1st Vice President Peter Davenport led the Virginia SAR and eleven of its chapters in presenting wreaths and remarks at the celebration of the 260th anniversary of the birth of James Monroe, a Revolutionary War hero and our 5th president.  Chapters represented included the Colonel Fielding Lewis, Colonel William Grayson, Culpeper Minutemen, Fort Harrison, General Daniel Morgan, George Mason, James Monroe, Richard Henry Lee, Richmond, Thomas Nelson, Jr., and Richmond Chapters. 
     In the first portion of the ceremony, President Trump was represented by US Army Quartermaster General, B/G Rodney Fogg.  After his departure, G. William Thomas, Jr., president of the James Monroe Memorial Foundation took over as the master of ceremonies.  Senator Amanda Chase brought greetings from the Virginia General Assembly and the keynote speaker was Congressman Dave Brat, Virginia 7th District.

US Army Color Guard presents the colors.

B/G Fogg representing President Trump.

Virginia Senator Amanda Chase

Congressman Dave Brat

     As a surprise, Compatriot Peter Broadbent was presented a medal by the James Monroe Memorial Foundation for his accomplishments in their behalf.

     After Peter Broadbent read the Declaration from Governor Northam, the wreaths were presented and remarks made by each presenter.

Virginia SAR 1st Vice President Peter Davenport.

Richmond Chapter President Dennis Peterson.

Representing the Col Fielding Lewis Chapter, Josh Wilberger.

James Monroe Chapter President Charles Belfield.

Richard Henry Lee Chapter President Jim Russell.

Williamsburg Chapter President Bill Greaf.

Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter past President Bruce Meyer.

Culpeper Minutemen Chapter Vice President Charles Jameson.

Representing the Col William Grayson Chapter, Dave Button.

Fort Harrison Chapter Vice President Jonathan Comer.

Representing the General Daniel Morgan Chapter, Louis March.

George Mason Chapter past President Peter Davenport.