Dedication Ceremony

~ Sons of the American Revolution ~

SAR Patriot Grave Marking Honoring Peter Witmer, Jr. The Ceremony Begins ~ Courtesy of SAR & American Legion

Colonel Larry P. Cornwell, U.S.A.F. - Ret. "Master of Ceremonies & Descendant of Peter Witmer"

~ Invocation ~
Compatriot Raymond Sharritts
Chaplain, Ohio Society, SAR

~ Presentation of Colors ~
Ohio Society, Sons of the American Revolution
L / R: Timothy Ward, Larry Perkins,
Terry Whetstone and Joe Langlitz, C.A.R.

~ The National Anthem ~
Courtesy of Andrea Aiello ~ New Lexington High School

~ Pledge of Allegiance ~
Carter Webb ~ Descendant of Peter Witmer

Color Guard Commanders, place their men at rest!

"Again, everyone, welcome, especially those of you who are a part of this program, and those of you who traveled some distance to be here today, to include the descendants of Peter Witmer who are here to honor their ancestor. We are especially gratified by the turnout of the local citizenry and the members of the media".

~ Unveiling of the Marker and Tribute to Peter Witmer ~
Unveiled by Colonel Larry Patrick Cornwell, U.S.A.F. - Ret.
Fourth Great Grandson of Peter Witmer

"The objective of the Sons of the American Revolution grave marking program is to place a bronze SAR marker at the grave site of every military veteran and civilian patriot of the Revolutionary War".

"Public observances are useful reminders of the costs of citizenship in our Republic. Freedom, as we know from long experience, is not easily maintained. It is good that we today pause and reflect upon the courage and daring of Peter Witmer's generation, with gratitude and respect as we dedicate this marker today".

"Today's ceremony incorporates elements of military reviews dating from the time of the Revolution: a formation of troops, the presentation of colors, music, and gun salutes".

~ Members of the Statehouse Battery ~

"Gun salutes, both by the SAR and by the American Legion to honor the brave dead and the playing of Taps ~ originated during the Civil War. A Civil War cannon will be fired to recognize Peter's 10 or more grandsons who fought in the War Between the States".

~ Anthony Thorngate ~
Crooksville High School ~ Band Director

"Eventually written into Army Regulations as a regular part of a military funeral or dedications service such as this, taps becomes a call to remember, a call to honor, and a call to consider anew our duties to our nation founded and preserved by the service of men like Peter Witmer".

"We are here today amidst the flags and uniforms of our great Nation to dedicate the final resting place of one of our patriots in the struggle for independence: Peter Witmer. Without the service of Peter Witmer and thousands of men and women like him, we would not enjoy the benefits of national independence and liberty".

"Peter Witmer and his family moved here in 1802, settled on a farm near here, and were among the area's first settlers".