Members of the Mississinewa Battlefield Society enriched the program held on Oct. 26, 2024 at the Hawpatch-Liberty Cemetery located near Columbus, IN. Many patriotic organizations collaborated together to recognize veterans of not only the War of 1812 but 3 other eras, crucial to the development of the United States of America.
Lisa Couch learned of the opportunity given to the Mississinewa Battlefield Society and in fine order made a beautiful wreath representing the Mississinewa Battlefield Society. Lisa was escorted by Mississinewa Battlefield Society members Mark Kreps with Janet Kreps, Candy Trout, Linda Springer and Barbara Adams, while Dennis Babbitt with the assembly looked on. Seven total Mississinewa Society members were in attendance at the commemoration. They were photographed with members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), Society of the War of 1812, 1812 Indiana Ladies Auxiliary (ILA) and Sons of Union Veteran of the Civil War (SUVCW).
Original Cemetery markers were restored and society markers were laid for two Revolutionary War veterans, Thomas McQueen & Solomon Tracy, three War of 1812 soldiers Benjamin McQueen (whose descendant was the actor Steve McQueen), Thomas Stoughton and William West, two Mexican War veterans Edward Stoughton and Squire West and twenty-three Civil War soldiers, all buried at the Liberty Cemetery. The flag folding ceremony included folded flags to three descendants, Jim West, Betty McQueen and Joe McKinney.
By taking the time to come together the assembly not only showed respect and gratitude by honoring the veterans, but also enriched the heritage of these soldiers. On Oct. 26, 2024 the efforts of many contributed to the future of our country with an increased awareness of our precious veteran’s involvement to further the principles of freedom and justice for all.
