The Halifax Resolves Chapter, North Carolina Sons of the American Revolution hosted a grave marking ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery in Louisburg, NC to honor five members of the now defunct Harrison Macon SAR Chapter that was chartered in 1928 and ceased operations around 1960, though there are no records to substantiate that date. The honorees of the event were: Dr. Daniel Turner Smithwick, DDS; his son, Macon Glen Smithwick; his grandson, Daniel Wayne Smithwick; Colonel Donald Vann Holliday, USA (ret.) and Dr. Hodge Albert Newell, MD.

Halifax Resolves Chapter member Ken Wilson was the Master of Ceremonies for this gathering and welcomed all who were participating in and observing the event. The Invocation was given by Mr. Mark Anthony of the Georgia Society SAR.  The Colors were then presented by the Combined NC SAR Color Guard with the Pledge of Allegiance being led by Mr. William H. Riggan, III.  NC SAR Color Guard Commander SMSgt. George K. Strunk, USAF, (ret.) led the SAR Chorus and all assembled in the National Anthem.

Wilson then recognized the officers of the societies and organizations bringing greeting. The individuals were:  Mr. Geoff Pittard, President of the Halifax Resolves Chapter NC SAR; NC SAR President Rear Admiral Jay A. Deloach, USN, (ret.); the Georgia SAR was represented by Mr. Mark Anthony of the Piedmont Chapter; Mr. William Schwetke, National Trustee, brought greetings on behalf of the Virginia Society SAR and Mr. Mitch Godfrey, Commander of American Legion Post 105 in Louisburg, NC.

A brief biography of Dr. Smithwick, his son and grandson was presented by Dr, Samuel C. Powell.  Both Dr. Smithwick and Dr. Powell had served as National trustee for the NC SAR and as Vice President-General for the SAR South Atlantic District that is comprised of North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Brief biographies of Colonel Donald Vann Holliday and Dr. Hodge Albert Newell, MD was presented by Mr. William H. Riggan, III outlining each of those compatriot’s contributions to the nation, state and local community.

Compatriot Wilson and Compatriot Steve Avent, Halifax Resolves Acting Chaplain, then dedicated the markers.  This was followed by a musket volley provided by Compatriot William Schwetke of the Virginia Society, SAR.

Wreaths were presented by the Halifax Resolves Chapter, NC SAR; the North Carolina SAR; the Georgia SAR/Piedmont Chapter GASSAR; the Virginia SAR/Culpeper Minute Men Chapter VASSAR; Alamance Battle- ground Chapter NC SAR; General George Washington Chapter NC SAR; Lower Cape Fear Chapter NC SAR; Mecklenburg Chapter NC SAR; New Bern Chapter NC SAR; Shocco Creek Chapter NSDAR; Warren Chapter NSDAR; Boy Scout Troop 555 of Louisburg, NC and American Legion Post 105 of Louisburg. NC SAR President DeLoach then presented Compatriot Ken Wilson with a Compatriot Grave Marking Medal that had previously been earned.

The SAR Recessional was led by Mr. Renny Taylor and the Colors were retired by the Combined NC SAR Color Guard.  The Benediction was given by Mr. Mark Anthony of the Georgia SAR.  Compatriot Wilson then dismissed the assembly.