Vicars Grave Marking

07 Apr 2018                                       Russell County, VA

    On a cold day, with intermittent snow flurries, about 120 compatriots, DAR members, and guests gathered to honor Robert Vicars, patriot of the revolution, by marking his grave in the Old Vicars Cemetery at Grassy Creek in Russell County.  President Pat Kelly represented the Virginia SAR and had made this grave marking one of his presidential initiatives.  Also attending were the Virginia SAR 1st & 2nd Vice Presidents and representatives of nine Virginia SAR chapters:  Culpeper Minutemen, Fairfax Resolves, Fincastle Resolutions, George Mason, Lt. David Cox, Martin's Station, New River Valley, Overmountain Men, and Thomas Jefferson.  The Virginia DAR was represented by Vice Regent Becky Rogers and Historian Holly Lynne Schmidt, as well as representatives of five chapters.
     Also attending was past President of the Tennessee SAR, David Johnston, and representatives of five Tennessee SAR chapters.  The event was jointly organized and conducted by members of the Virginia and Tennessee SAR.
     There were a large number of Robert Vicars' descendants at the ceremony, including Virginia SAR First Lady Jennifer Kelly, and the Master of Ceremonies, Larry Underwood.  As part of the ceremony, Robert Corey Vicars, a descendant of Robert Vicars, was inducted into the SAR and the Overmountain Men Chapter by Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly.
     After the ceremony their was a reception at the Old Russell County Courthouse, hosted by the Russell County Historical Society.
     All participants in the ceremony earned credit toward the SAR Patriot Grave Marking Medal

The Master of Ceremonies, Larry Underwood, President of the John Sevier Chapter of the Tennessee SAR and a descendant of Robert Vicars.

Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly addresses the gathering.

Tennessee SAR past President (2017-18) David Johnston address the gathering.

Virginia DAR Vice-Regent Becky Rogers address the gathering.

 


    Robert Cory Vicars, in the middle, is inducted by President Pat Kelly, as his father, on the left, a prospective member, looks on.

Unveiling of the marker. picture by Darrin Schmidt

The Color Guard fires a volley.

The musician who played a drum cadence, a tune on the fife, and taps on the bugle.

President Pat Kelly presents the Virginia SAR wreath.

Robert Vicars' descendants at the ceremony, with the Color Guard as a backdrop.

The Color Guard, left to right: Bill Schwetke, Larry McKinley, David Johnson (TN), Darrly Addington (TN), Darrin Schmidt, Don Hills (TN), John Clines (TN) _____, Peter Davenport, Tom Coker, David Carr (TN), James Moore, Barney Penley

Virginia SAR President Pat Kelly, flanked by two Vicars' descendants, on the left, Larry Underwood, and on the right Virginia SAR First Lady Jennifer Kelly.

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Information for your Grave Marking Medal Form
Obtain a blank Grave Marking Medal Reporting Form here.

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