Chillicothe — Men who fought in the American Revolution and later moved west into Ohio and Ross County were commemorated in Grandview Cemetery recently.
Events building up to Saturday’s 250th birthday of the nation have been occurring since January – and before – and will continue through the end of the year. But in addition to those efforts by the local “America 250” effort, the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution have hosted ceremonies focusing on those who fought in the war 250 years ago.
The local Arthur St. Clair Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution had their 5th annual “Patriot Grave Marking” at Patriot Square in Grandview Cemetery in Chillicothe on June 13th, 2026.
A young participant stood out. Reagan Baird, a member of the Logan Elm High School marching band, played taps while dressed in Revolutionary garb.
She said her grandfather helped get her interested in the Revolutionary effort, and she is now vice president of the recently founded Chief Cornstalk Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution.
She said it has about 10 members, and they are recruiting. Their next meeting is the first Tuesday of September in the Pickaway County Library.
And to participate with the Sons of the American Revolution, she portrays a woman who pretended to be a man so she could fight in the Revolution.
It was a state SAR color guard event, so members from around Ohio participated. That included Doug Petit of Athens County, president of the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Petit said it was probably the 10th patriot grave marking by the SAR in Ohio in this America 250 year – at least double the normal – and was the 10th weekend for him to be on the road.
He said the benefits of being part of the SAR is pride of history, patriotism, education…especially if you are interested in genealogy, history, being part of a color guard, or clothing of the Revolutionary era.
To join the Sons of the American Revolution, Petit pointed out that you need to prove descent from someone who participated in the Revolution – but that can be as minor as paying a tax or serving on a jury. You need only one ancestor…though the genealogical documentation can be difficult.
Hear both in their own words in the video interviews below – as well as see videos of Petit’s greeting and the posting of the colors, hear most of Bob Grimm’s “Grimm Glimpse of History” address, and the musket salute and taps (and dress rehearsal).
See photos of the event on the SAR Facebook page
A big event that weekend was also at Adena Mansion and Gardens (with another there coming up next weekend). Stay tuned for that story.
Search the Scioto Post for past events by “America 250,” the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Sons of the American Revolution.
