Local SAR Chapter Participates in Wreaths Across America (WAA)

On Saturday, December 13, the Ketoctin Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution sponsored Wreaths Across America at two Historic churches in greater Purcellville, Loudoun County. The churches were: Ketoctin Baptist Church and North Fork Baptist Church. Opening ceremonies at both churches were supported by three Chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution: Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter from Loudoun County, Colonel James Wood II Chapter from the Northern Shenandoah Valley, and Fairfax Chapter from Fairfax County. Revolutionary War Patriots, War of 1812 Veterans, Veterans of the Civil War, and Veterans from all wars since the civil war are interred at both Cemeteries.

Ketoctin Cemetery was established in 1751. During the American Revolution Reverend John Marks was pastor. Pastor Marks was an outspoken advocate of Revolution, known to have spoken in support of Revolution from the pulpit. He had five sons who served in the military during the Revolution. Reverend Marks and three of his sons are interred in the Cemetery.

At Ketoctin Baptist Church Vietnam War veterans of each military service presented a wreath honoring all veterans interred in Ketoctin Cemetery. The SAR musket squad of ten men with black powder replica Flintlock rifles or muskets conducted a three-shot volley in honor of veterans.

Following the service at Ketoctin Baptist Church attendees drove to North Fork Baptist Church south of Purcellville. North Fork Baptist Church was establish in 1765. At North Fork attendeesdistributed wreaths to graves of Revolutionary War Patriots, War of 1812 Veterans, and Civil War Veterans. The SAR Musket team executed another three-shot musket Volley.

Representing the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter from Loudoun County were: Past President Ken Bonner, President Barry Schwoerer, Vice President Mark Sink and Registrar Mike Watson. for more information on the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter please visit our website at: https://johnchampe-sar.org