Marker, Plaque, Monument Monday

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Revolutionary War

Memorial

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West

Hopkinsville, Kentucky

[Click on photos to get larger images]

Front side of the SAR marker listing 71 men of

Christian Co., KY who participated

in the establishment of our country

during the Revolutionary War.  

On the Fourth of July, I attended the unveiling and dedication ceremony of the 9-foot tall granite monolith memorial to the Revolutionary War Patriots and Soldiers who lived in Christian Co., KY. I am directly descended from Thomas West of North Carolina that is etched on this marker along with 70 other men being honored. Several of these other men are related to me, but are not of direct lineage.

Back side of this large marker. 

There were several hundred people present including many of my cousins (along with their families) from my father's side of the family: Tommy Henderson, Eddie Deason, Barbara Oatts Smith, Joan McCarty, Chad Word... there were more that I met for the first time. This was such a thrill to know that my ancestor will be remembered for his involvement in establishing our independent nation!

 Cousin Eddie Deason pointing to our

common ancestor Thomas West.

 Dressed in a dark suit is Bob Fears, President of the John Manire SAR Chapter and Master of Ceremonies.  He is holding a proclamation from the Kentucky Governor.  To his left (right side of photo) is Major General McConville that gave the Keynote Address, William Turner (County Historian, publisher), and 3 members of the Manire SAR Chapter.  Next to Pres. Fears on the left side of photo is my cousin Chad Word, behind him is cousin Eddie Deason, next is KY State Representative Tilley, then finally me, John G. West, representing the Ohio Valley SAR Chapter of the Indiana Society - and my ancestor Thomas West.

 Cousin Tommy Henderson (left), who organized and directed the entire ceremony and was rushing around the whole morning, taking a moment to pose with Indiana Bones (right side of photo)!

Next to the Colonel John Green Chapter NSDAR wreath is my cousin Barbara Oatts Smith along with several other members of her DAR chapter. 

- Compiled by JGWest.

- Photos taken by Eddie Deason, Indiana Bones, and others.

From the First Mate's Photo Album

Sons of the American Revolution

Revolutionary War Memorial

Unveiling and Dedication

04 July 2012

Kentucky Verteran's Cemetery West

Hopkinsville, Kentucky

[click on photo for a larger image]

The above photo was the very first picture taken when we arrived for this ceremony that featured 71 men listed on the large monument that is covered with the red, white and blue cloth.  Thomas West, Jr. was one of these men.  Due to the heat, the outer edges came out "foggy" with the center clear providing for a very nice effect.  The wreath was placed here from the Colonel John Green Chapter of NSDAR.  Behind it to the right is the NSSAR flag.

- Photo taken by Indiana Bones.

Happy Birthday, America!

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Reflecting on this special day...

As Americans celebrate July 4th. with all that traditionally happens on this day, I wonder if we think very much about what this day means to all of us.  It was a day back in 1776, when a group of English Colonist decided to declare independence from England and the King!  It could easily mean death to many of them for being treasonous.  Their families were being put at risk, as well.  This was a bold stand to take with such slogans as: "Give Me Liberty or Death!"  They made signs and even had flags that pictured the rattlesnake with the words: "Don't Tread on Me!" that served as a warning, as well as, a threat.  This had to be a time of complete turmoil for many of our ancestors.  England had a mighty army and navy and, yet, the Colonist took them on!  It would have been just a foolish attempt to rid the Colonies of the unfair controls of the Crown across the ocean, except for the strong resolve of these people.  They risked everything... their lives, their families, their homes - everything they had for freedom.  We have a great nation, today, that was built on this desire to control its own destiny.

This morning, I thought about the life I grew up as a kid with Television that featured shows like the "Andy Griffith Show" with Opie (played by Ron Howard) and Don Knotts, plus so many others.  Times seemed so simple before computers, cell phones and all of our high-tech toys!  A true legend, Andy Griffith, died yesterday at the age of 86.  We will all go on with our busy lives to celebrate today another birthday for the USA... we will need to be careful today with fireworks due to the fire hazards caused by our current drought, but we will have our picnics, parades, family reunions and whatever else we, as American families traditionally do.

This morning I have a unique opportunity to join with others in Hopkinsville, Kentucky to be at the dedication ceremony of the memorial monument erected at Kentucky Veteran's Cemetery West in honor of the men who participated in the American Revolutionary War that were buried in Christian County, Kentucky.  One of my ancestors. Thomas West, Jr., will be listed on the very large 7-foot monolith-style marker.  I will reflect on what he and so many others risked or in many cases gave-up for this nation to exist.  I will also be reminded of my family and my life growing up in a country that we too often take for granted.  I hope everyone will take a little time to think what this day, July the Fourth, means to us all!

- Written by JGWest

Christian County, Kentucky Revolutionary War Monument

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I recently learned that a new Revolutionary War monument will be erected this year to honor the soldiers & patriots of Christian County, KY who participated in securing Independence for a new nation... the United States of America.  Plans are being made for a 11 foot marker to bear the names of these Colonial patriots to be dedicated on July 4th. at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville.   One of my ancestors, Thomas West, Jr. will be listed.  Another one that should be listed is Jesse Buckner.  There will be a ground-breaking ceremony planned for May 17th.  I am planning on attending both of these ceremonies!


- Written by JGWest