DAR works toward commemorative plaque
Pictured is the marker that would commemorate Revolutionary War Patriots in Ripley County when the DAR reaches their goal of $7,000.
The local Ross’ Run Chapter has been busy planning for a celebration to commemorate our country’s 250th Semi Quincentennial Anniversary on July 4, 2026. According to organizers of events for Ripley County, “If we are successful in raising funding, we will plan a ‘marker dedication’ event on the Ripley County Courthouse lawn for July 4, 2026.”
The group already has the backing of the Osgood Lions Club with a donation secured in the amount of $500.00, and a donation of $500.00 from the Batesville Lions Club. They invite other Lions Clubs to join these in commemorating this occasion. “We are planning to raise funds through chapter projects and other donations,” noted Veronica Menchhofer.
Menchhofer is working with the group and the Osgood Lions Club will hold a drive-through pork chop dinner on Sunday, May 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park, Osgood, to help with funding. “We currently have donations from the Osgood Lions Club, who has challenged the other Lions Club in Ripley County to either meet or exceed their donation. So far, Batesville has met the challenge and donated,” she noted. She said they have applied for some grants for the celebration/dedication with the monument project cost coming in at $7,000.00.
The Ripley County Commissioners have given the group permission to erect and dedicate a bronze America 250 Patriots market on the northeast corner of the Ripley County Courthouse lawn. This will serve as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices of Ripley County Patriots who served during the Revolutionary War and mark the country’s 250 anniversary.
According to information from the DAR, there are 26 known Revolutionary War Patriot burial sites and 34 Patriots known to be buried in Ripley County. There are 61 Revolutionary War Patriots with ties to Ripley County. “We, therefore, feel the proposed marker is a fitting symbol to mark the 250th Anniversary of our country’s freedom from England and pay tribute to the sacrifices of our local Revolutionary War Patriots,” the group wrote.
Ross’ Run Chapter, Inc. NSDAR is a local Daughters of the American Revolution organization based in Versailles. Their motto is, “God, Home, and Country.” They are a service organization who honors Revolutionary War Patriots by providing funding and services to active military, veterans organizations, promoting education, sponsoring projects that include the American History Essay Contest, DAR Good Citizen Awards, Naval Sea Cadette Medal Award for Students, Wreaths Across America and various project for local veterans and community.
It will take from six to nine months after approval to purchase a marker by NSDAR in Washington, DC to order from an NSDAR approved vendor to receive the market. They are required to pay half when they order the market and the remaining portion before shipment will be made.
Menchhofer noted that donations are appreciated from the community, organizations and individuals for this project. You can make checks payable to Ross’ Run Chapter NSDAR and send to Chapter Treasurer Nikki Allen, 6789 Lower Dillsboro Rd., Aurora, IN 47001. You can also contact Judy Kappes at 513-509-7997 or Veronica Menchhofer 812-756-0157 or email veronica@menchhofer.com for more information.
