Honoring the Unknown: Virginia SAR, Virginia DAR, and C.A.R. Gather in Alexandria for the February 14 Commemoration

Alexandria, Virginia — On Saturday, February 14, more than one hundred compatriots, daughters, children, and guests gathered at the historic Old Presbyterian Meeting House burial ground to honor the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. Hosted jointly by the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR, and the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, NSDAR, the ceremony unfolded on a bright afternoon where sunshine glinted off patches of melting snow, creating a serene and reverent setting for remembrance.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution stands as a solemn tribute to the unnamed patriot whose sacrifice represents the countless men and women who fought for American independence. This year’s commemoration brought together national, state, and local leaders from SAR, DAR, and C.A.R., reaffirming a shared commitment to honoring Revolutionary War patriots.

Opening of the Ceremony

The program began with a warm welcome from Scot A. Bryant, President of the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR. His remarks set the tone for a ceremony grounded in gratitude, unity, and historical reflection.

Susan Hayward‑Costa, Chaplain of the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter NSDAR, offered the opening prayer, inviting attendees to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of the unknown patriot and all who served during the American Revolution.

Greetings from National and State Leaders

This year’s commemoration was distinguished by the presence of leaders from both national societies:

• President General Michael J. Elston, Esq., National Society Sons of the American Revolution

• President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

They were joined by state leaders:

• Virginia SAR President Darrin Schmidt

• Virginia DAR President Kathleen Mayer Rugh

Each brought greetings that emphasized remembrance, service, and the enduring mission of America’s hereditary patriotic societies.

Presentation of Colors and Pledge

The Virginia SAR Color Guard presented the colors with precision and dignity, adding ceremonial weight to the proceedings.

Emily Hopkins, Treasurer of the Virginia Society Children of the American Revolution, led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, symbolizing the intergenerational commitment to patriotism and historical memory.

Wreaths Presented in Honor and Remembrance

Representatives from SAR, DAR, and C.A.R. chapters stepped forward to present wreaths at the Tomb, each one a tribute to the unknown patriot and all who served.

Sons of the American Revolution

SAR wreaths were presented by:

• George Washington Chapter (host)

• Fairfax Resolves Chapter

• Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter

• George Mason Chapter

• Col. William Grayson Chapter

• Col. James Wood II Chapter

• Culpeper Minutemen Chapter

Daughters of the American Revolution

Wreaths were presented by:

• National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

• Virginia DAR

• Virginia DAR District V

• Kate Waller Barrett Chapter NSDAR

• Prince William Resolves Chapter NSDAR

• Fairfax County Chapter NSDAR

• Anna Maria Fitzhugh Chapter NSDAR

• Bill of Rights Chapter NSDAR

• John Alexander Chapter NSDAR

• Nelly Custis Chapter NSDAR

• Pentagon Chapter NSDAR

• Thomas Lee Chapter NSDAR

Children of the American Revolution

C.A.R. wreaths were presented by:

• Virginia Society C.A.R.

• Col. William Grayson Society C.A.R.

Flowers Placed at the Tomb

A particularly moving moment came when flowers were placed at the Tomb by historical interpreters representing:

• General George Washington (Brian Hilton)

• First Lady Martha Washington (Constance Shofi)

• His Excellency, the Marquis de Lafayette (Mark Schneider)

They were joined by SAR President General Elston and DAR President General Storage, followed by many of the more than 100 guests in attendance. The quiet procession of individuals placing flowers created a powerful visual tribute to the unknown patriot.

Closing of the Ceremony

The ceremony’s closing was led by Margaret Kate, Regent of the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter NSDAR, followed by the benediction delivered by Rev. Tom Costa, portraying Rev. Lee Massey, the minister of George Washington’s era. Rev. Costa also led the Recitation of the Tomb Inscription, a solemn reminder of the patriot whose identity is lost but whose sacrifice endures.

To conclude the ceremony, Donald C. Dahmann, Historian of the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, conducted the Tolling of the OPMH Bell, a tradition that resonates deeply across the burial ground and symbolizes the enduring memory of the Unknown Soldier.

Tours and Fellowship

Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to participate in guided tours of the Burial Ground and the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, which continued until 3:00 PM. Guests explored the historic grounds, learned about Alexandria’s Revolutionary‑era history, and shared fellowship with compatriots, daughters, and friends.

President General Michael Elston lays flower on Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution (Photo by Tom Roth).

Virginia SAR Color Guard members gather with colors at the Tomb. (Photo by Tom Roth).

After the solemn ceremony, compatriots participated in the George Washington Celebration Birthday Parade along the streets of Alexandria, Virginia.