NORFOLK CHAPTER CONDUCTS CEREMONY TO MARK 26 GRAVES

​On a very hot, sweltry May 21, 2022, the Norfolk Chapter hosted a grave marking honoring six Revolutionary Patriots and twenty War of 1812 veterans at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Norfolk. Dr. Ken Hawkins, VASSAR Eastern Region Chair and 2nd Vice President, Virginia War of 1812 Society opened the ceremony and called for the Posting of the Colors by a combined SAR and 1812 Color Guard led by Vassar Color Guard Commander, Chris Melhuish. VASSAR President, Bruce Meyer and Virginia War of 1812 Society President, Paul Walden gave welcoming remarks.
The Invocation was given by Norfolk Chaplain Wayne Boone, and the Pledge of Allegiance and SAR Pledge were led by Norfolk Past President Gary Pridgen and Norfolk Secretary Dr. Pat Hannum respectively. Biographies of the Patriots and Veterans were read alternatively by Tim Ahlgrim, Norfolk Vice President and Mike O’Shea, Norfolk Treasurer. These were researched and written by the two compatriots.
The Plague unveiling was performed by VASSAR President Bruce Meyer, Virginia War of 1812 Society President Paul Walden, and Past President Mike Lyman. The dedication was given by Dr. Ken Hawkins with prayers by Dr. Mark Jumper.
The Wreath Laying was led by Robert Bruce, Norfolk President and consisted of fourteen wreaths. These included the National Society Sons of the American Revolution by Mike Elston, Chancellor General, the Virginia Society SAR by Bruce Meyer, President, the Virginia Society of the War of 1812 by Paul Walden, President, the Virginia Society of the Children of the American Revolution by William Elston, President, and the Virginia Society Order of Founders and Patriots of America by Dr. Ken Hawkins, Deputy Governor. Chapters represented were Norfolk Chapter SAR, Adam Thoroughgood Chapter NSDAR, Fort Norfolk Chapter, U.S. Daughters of 1812, George Washington Chapter SAR, Great Bridge Chapter NSDAR, Richard Henry Lee Chapter SAR, Williamsburg Chapter SAR, Col James Wood II Chapter SAR, and Culpeper Minutemen Chapter SAR.
Taps were rendered by Curtis Rogers, Esq. of Bugles Across America, and the SAR Recessional was led by Norfolk Chapter compatriot Hank Almond.
After the Benediction, VASSAR President Bruce Meyer and Ken Hawkins gave special recognition to Barbara Early, President of Cedar Grove Cemetery Foundation, Portsmouth, Virginia by presenting her with the Virginia Society Graves Preservation Medal and Certificate. She has been instrumental in producing biographies of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veterans buried in the cemetery and maintaining their graves. She also served as a host of grave marking ceremonies held several years ago in Portsmouth.

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Taps performed by Curtis Rodgers, Esq. 2