While pausing on Monday to thank and remember the people who have served in our nation’s defense, a group in the county continues to work to honor some of the men who fought to free and create that nation nearly 250 years ago.

The Old Whitestown Cemetery outside Garland has become a focal point for the General Joseph Warren Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The cemetery is small, roughly 50 graves, but includes the remains of at least five – and potentially more — veterans of the American Revolution.

It is believed to have a higher concentration of Revolutionary War veterans than any other burial ground in Warren County.

The DAR is planning a granite memorial and bronze plaque at the site to recognize these men — and several War of 1812 veterans — for their service.

“We have now raised $5,500 of the $8,600 needed,” Sam Brawand, DAR chapter secretary, said. “We have applied for a small grant but could use a little more help to order by spring for Memorial Day 2020.

Five veterans were confirmed via grave stones – John Long, George Long, Solomon Miles, Hugh McGuire, and Giles White.

Other unconfirmed names thought to be buried there or nearby include William Carpenter, John McGuire, Darius Mead, Jr. and Thomas Page.

A plaque proposal also recognizes the men buried at Whitestown who served in the War of 1812 – John Brown, David Long, Hugh McGuire, Jr., Alexander Wilson, Samuel Wilson and William White.

“Anything (raised) over the amount received will be part of our monument and US flag donation fund,” Brawand said, so any donation will go to good use!”

Anyone with questions on donating can contact Brawand at (814) 335-3847. Donations can be made to the General Joseph Warren Chapter DAR Project Donation Fund at Northwest Bank, 400 Jackson Run Rd., Warren, PA 16365.