Remarks at grave marking of Patriot John Tolliver The American Revolution was a great event, not only in America but also in the world’s history. It brought into being a nation that would become, in less than two centuries, the most powerful country in the entire civilized world.  This event marked the beginnings of vast changes that would sweep the world of that time.  In the century following, monarchies would be replaced by democracies in favor of free economics by following generations.  So it was not surprising that the Sons of the American Revolution or SAR, as it is commonly referred to, would be eventually created. The SAR is a historical, educational, and patriotic non-profit lineage organization that seeks to maintain and extend •    The institutions of American freedom, •    An appreciation for true patriotism, •    A respect for our national symbols, •    And, the value of American citizenship. We do this by perpetuating the stories of patriotism, courage, sacrifice, tragedy, and triumph of the men who achieved the independence of the American people in the belief that these stories are universal ones of man’s eternal struggle against tyranny, relevant to all time, and will inspire and strengthen each succeeding generation as it too is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions. Conducting patriot grave marking ceremonies is one of the more visible outreach activities of our organization.  Originally intended to place a bronze plate or plaque at a known patriot’s grave, the concept of grave marking has changed over the years to include when necessary the restoration of graves in public and private cemeteries. In the case of Patriot John Toliver, concerned members of his family took appropriate actions to restore the patriot’s gravesite including the family cemetery.  This job involved many tasks.  The biggest task – perhaps the most necessary of all – was simply deciding to take action.  With the decision made to change the condition of the Toliver cemetery, during the heat of the summer months, family members, with the aid of several local citizens, mobilized to locate the graves (many marked by rocks as headstones), clear dense brush away, excavate headstones, dig holes for fence posts, build forms for concrete foundations to relay those headstones, order replacement markers, coordinate with members of the SAR, coordinate with a local minister, workout issues with a nearby funeral home staff member, erect fencing around the cemetery, and numerous other chores pertaining to a project I term a Labor of Love. Absolutely none of this could have been accomplished without the cooperation of the current landowners – the Rector Family. Patriot John Toliver’s grave and the cemetery containing his wife’s grave and their children and grandchildren’s graves are now protected against the elements of time. The Tolliver Family and their Labor of Love epitomizes the highest of family traditions by a display of patriotism that perpetuates the existence of the American culture.  Family is the fabric that knits us together through good and bad times.  Patriot John Toliver must have experienced both good and bad times during his lifetime as a soldier, husband, father, and citizen.  So it is fitting that his remains and the remains of his closest family members be respectfully identified and properly maintained for all time.      Today we gather to honor another Revolutionary War veteran – Private John Toliver.  General George Washington knew the value of a thanksgiving day long before becoming our first president.  During the war, he would order special thanksgiving services for his troops after successful battles.  The colonists even before the pilgrims arrived, often established “Thank Day” to mark certain occasions.  These one-time events could occur at any time of the year and were usually more solemn than the Thanksgiving we observe today.  Let this morning’s memorial service be our “Thank Day” for the contributions of John Toliver. Joe Harris/President/NCSSAR October 21, 2006