The Ketoctin Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution on Saturday sponsored wreath laying at the graves of American veterans in two cemeteries in Loudoun.
The events were part of the Wreaths Across American program which honored veterans’ service at more than 2,500 American cemeteries, including Arlington Nation Cemetery.
The Ketoctin DAR invited volunteers to lay wreaths at the graves at Ketoctin Baptist Church Cemetery and North Fork Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Loudoun, as well as at the Carter Family Cemetery at North Hill Estate in the Clarke County.
“Men and women who gave their lives so that we could live in freedom and without fear,” said Ketoctin Chapter DAR Regent Kecia Brown during the opening ceremony. “The United States of America was founded on ideals of freedom, justice and equality. Our nation is a shining beacon of liberty and liberty to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we will not forget you.
Curator Kenneth Fleming told the story of Ketoctin Church, which dates back to 1751. He said 14 Revolutionary War soldiers, 32 War of 1812 veterans and 30 American Civil War veterans are buried in the field, in addition to those who fought in American wars around the world. “This is truly a historic, in-ground Loudoun property,” he said.
In North Fork, two Revolutionary War veterans, 11 War of 1812 veterans and 30 Confederate veterans are buried in the cemetery, Brown said.
Community volunteers spread out around the cemetery to carry the wreaths to each veteran’s headstone. Everyone said the veteran’s name aloud before placing the memorial.
Also participating in the Revolutionary War re-enactors program were the Viking Division of the United States Navy Cadet Corps and Loudoun’s deputy, Sean McCartan, who performed on bagpipes.
Photos by Douglas Graham
