By Kendall Abbott

The Captain John Collins chapter of the Georgia Society (in Marietta, GA), along with the New Hampshire, Vermont, and Georgia Societies of the SAR, coordinated two of the most unique grave marking ceremonies, uniting people from multiple areas of the country. Led by Kendall Abbott of the Captain John Collins Chapter and dual member with the NH Society, Ben Hampton - Past President of the NH Society, and Arnie Fallon - President of the Vermont Society, a year's planning came together on June 3 to honor a father and son, ancestors of Kendall Abbott, that served with the NH Militia during the Revolutionary War.

Early last year, Kendall, from Powder Springs, GA discovered William Abbott's grave in Horse Meadow Cemetery, Haverhill, NH. After a little research, we found that the grave had not been marked by the SAR, so the plans began. While trying to schedule the logistics, costs, and timing, it was discovered that William's father, James Abbott, was buried only six miles away in the Oxbow Cemetery in Newbury, VT. We were now given the opportunity to recognize the father and his service at the same time.

Through hundreds of e-mails and phone calls, the ceremonies started to come together, and on June 3, the dream came together bringing SAR, DAR, CAR, and descendants of the Abbott family together from seven states. Even with constant showers and a very cool breeze, we were honored with past and present national officers, two state presidents, color guard members from five states, and several local members from the SAR. Also joining in this memorable occasion were members of the DAR, two state regents, local chapter regents, along with several members from the New England states, Georgia and Illinois Societies.

The New Hampshire ceremony was led by past State President Ben Hampton of New Hampshire for William Abbott, and the Vermont ceremony was led by Vermont State President Arnie Fallon for James Abbott. David Hockensmith, Chaplain General, provided the invocation and benediction at both ceremonies with Compatriot Hans Jackson, commander of the New Hampshire color guard, leading the multi-state color guard through their presentation of colors and firing of the muskets honoring these patriots.

Many beautiful wreaths were presented in the traditional display of respect to these two Patriots and the services they provided. Proclamations of honor and remembrance were offered for each Patriot by John Cobb, Selectman of Haverhill, NH and Alma Roystan, Select Chair of Newbury, VT. Kendall Abbott, representing the Abbott Descendants, gave a brief overview of the Abbott family and biographical sketch of each Patriot and the services they provided in the Revolutionary War and later in their local communities.

As a Society that draws its membership from those who served to gain our freedom, we have a continuing debt to those who have preserved that freedom over the years. This heart-warming experience provided the opportunity for all involved to educate and share with each other and the local communities a step back in history. In addition, hopefully through these efforts, members of the communities will contact the SAR, DAR, and CAR for membership and opportunities to help further educate children, as well as adults, in the sacrifices our Patriots made and the strengths of our Nation's freedoms.

After both ceremonies concluded, most attendees met at a local restaurant to relax and meet each other, make new friends, and share experiences and reflections of the activities of the day. This time of camaraderie with Compatriots and DAR members from across the country was considered a warming experience by the attendees.

I encourage each Compatriot to seek out their Patriot's graves and other Revolutionary War graves to properly identify, register, and honor each of those who have been buried there. Not only does this provide the feeling of accomplishment, it permits us, as SAR members, to share our beliefs and patriotic duty to others throughout the country.

Additional pictures of these events can be found on the Captain John Collins website at www.CaptainJohnCollins.org.

Kendall Abbott
Captain John Collins Chapter
Georgia Society