Contributed
More than 100 community members, elected officials, descendants of Revolutionary War Patriots, and members of the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution gathered at the Moore County Courthouse on Oct. 1, 2026, as the Alfred Moore Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), dedicated an America 250! Revolutionary War Patriots Marker to Moore County.
The marker commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence and honors the men and women whose courage, sacrifice and patriotic service helped secure the liberties Americans enjoy today. During the formal dedication, the chapter expressed its hope that the marker would remain an enduring tribute to the Patriots of the American Revolution and a reminder to future generations of the price paid for liberty.
The marker is permanently mounted at Moore County’s Charters of Freedom, where life-size replicas of the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution and Bill of Rights are displayed. The setting provides a particularly meaningful connection between the Patriots who fought for American independence and the founding documents that enshrined the freedoms their sacrifices helped make possible.
“This marker is more than bronze and stone; it is a permanent reminder that the freedoms represented here by the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights were made possible by ordinary men and women who answered an extraordinary call to service,” said Marsha Jacobs, Marker Project Chair, Past Regent of the Alfred Moore Chapter, and mistress of ceremonies. “Long after we are gone, their courage and sacrifice will still be remembered here. I cannot imagine a more meaningful place for this marker than beside the Charters of Freedom.”
The Moore County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved placement of the marker on April 21, 2026. Moore County Register of Deeds William “Bill” Britton prepared the resolution supporting its placement and offered special remarks during the dedication ceremony. In recognition of his extraordinary efforts to raise awareness of Revolutionary War Patriots and America’s 250th anniversary, Britton was presented with the DAR America 250! Commendation Medal and Certificate.
Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart, President of Sandhills Community College and a Moore County native, delivered the keynote address. Stewart shared stories of his own ancestry and Revolutionary War Patriots while reflecting upon the rich local history that connects present-day Moore County to the Revolutionary generation.
The ceremony included a Patriot Reading by Harriett Riley, Past Regent of the Alfred Moore Chapter. Riley recalled General George Washington’s June 8, 1783 reflection that the establishment of civil and religious liberty had motivated his service. The reading reminded those gathered that the marker represents far more than names and dates—it honors those who answered the call to secure liberty for generations yet to come.
North Carolina State Regent Cricket Crigler extended greetings, while Lou Ellen Runyan led the Pledge of Allegiance and Past Regent Carolyn Loeser led The American’s Creed. The Sandhills Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard presented the colors. Color Guard members included Jim Jones, Bruce Fensley, Ramsey Blanks, Chris Kibbler and Jerry Lee McClendon.
Music added a stirring dimension to the occasion. The Golf Capital Chorus performed the National Anthem and later sang “God Bless America,” with those gathered joining the chorus in song.
A floral tribute featured a patriotic wreath created by Sheree’s Flower Shoppe. Ramsey Blanks presented the tribute with a tip of his hat and a bow. Alfred Moore Chapter Past Regent Nancy Collins, escorted by Bruce Fensley, followed with a bow and moment of silence in remembrance of the Patriots.
The tribute concluded with a commemorative musket volley by Honor Guard members Matthew Mutarelli, U.S. Army (Ret.); Kary Barnes, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.); and Melissa Mangum Nelson, U.S. Navy Veteran. Each fired one blank round in honor of the Revolutionary War Patriots.
Jacobs and Cathy Carpenter unveiled the marker with the assistance of State Regent Cricket Crigler, Lou Ellen Runyan, and Alfred Moore Chapter Vice Regent Carie O’Quinn. The ceremonial veiling covering the marker was created by Alfred Moore Chapter member Teresa Numbers.
The day also marked another historic investment in the future. Moore County Commissioners placed personal items into the Charters of Freedom Time Capsule, which is scheduled to be opened on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, 2087, creating a link between the citizens and leaders of today and generations yet to come.
The marker was made possible through the generosity of Alfred Moore Chapter Daughters, community citizens, First Bank, the Moore County Genealogical Society, and support from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Oct. 1 dedication fulfilled the words spoken during the formal dedication of the marker: “May their patriotism never be forgotten.”
