July 4 2026 Celebration at Congressional Cemetery

On the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the D.C. Sons of the American Revolution, in partnership with Historic Congressional Cemetery and the National Cemetery Administration, invites you, members of all other lineage organizations, and the the public to join us on Saturday, July 4, 2026, for a special America250 commemoration honoring Elbridge Gerry, all the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the Revolutionary War veterans memorialized at Congressional Cemetery.

Founding Father and Revolutionary War Patriot Elbridge Gerry is the only signer of the Declaration of Independence and the only Vice President buried in Washington, D.C. His historic gravesite at Congressional Cemetery remains an enduring place of national memory and reflection, linking the nation’s founding generation to the present day.

Beginning at 10:00 AM, the ceremony will feature remarks from representatives of SAR, Historic Congressional Cemetery, and the National Cemetery Administration. The program will include the presentation of colors, the National Anthem, the playing of Taps, and a wreath and flower laying at Gerry’s grave in honor of his service to the founding of the United States and the enduring legacy of the Revolutionary generation. 

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy light refreshments, and join a guided walking tour highlighting the graves of Revolutionary War veterans interred at thel cemetery. Along the route, participants will help place commemorative flags at veterans’ grave sites, ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of these early Americans continue to be remembered as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of its founding.

Please share this invitation. The event is free and open to the public, although voluntary contributions are welcome to help defray the costs! If you plan to attend, we do ask that you RSVP so we can plan accordingly.