Sons of the American Revolution to Honor Revolutionary War Hero Brigadier General Francis Nash with Historic Grave Marking Ceremony
KULPSVILLE, PA (June 2026) — The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Society SAR and North Carolina Society SAR, are hosting a historic Grave Marking Ceremony honoring Brigadier General Francis Nash and three fellow Continental Army Officers on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 3:45 p.m. at the Towamencin Mennonite Church Cemetery, 1980 Sumneytown Pike, Kulpsville, Pennsylvania.
The ceremony will commemorate General Nash, Commander of the North Carolina Brigade and three officers who were mortally wounded during the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777. Following the battle, General George Washington’s Continental Army established an encampment in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, from October 8–16, 1777. During that encampment, Washington personally ordered and attended the burial of General Nash and his men with full military honors on October 9, 1777. More than two centuries later, descendants, SAR members, historical interpreters, veterans, and members of the public will gather to honor their sacrifice and service to the cause of American independence.
“This ceremony serves as a powerful reminder that the freedoms Americans enjoy today were secured through the sacrifice of extraordinary patriots like Brigadier General Francis Nash and the soldiers who fought beside him,” said SAR Treasurer General, Brooks Lyles. “As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is especially important that we preserve and share these stories of courage, service, and devotion to liberty.”
The program will feature SAR Color Guardsmen in Revolutionary War-era uniforms, historical presentations detailing the Continental Army’s 1777 encampment in Towamencin, patriotic tributes, and a ceremonial wreath-laying at the gravesite which will include the spreading of dirt collected from General Nash’s home in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
General Nash’s connection to Towamencin has long been recognized by historians and patriotic organizations. Although the city of Nashville, Tennessee, was named in his honor, efforts to relocate his remains there in 1936 were declined, ensuring that he remains buried where he was laid to rest under Washington’s orders nearly 250 years ago. Multiple monuments now mark his final resting place, reflecting generations of Americans who have sought to preserve his legacy.
The grave marking ceremony is being held in conjunction with the Towamencin America 250 Celebration, which will take place later that evening from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Fischer’s Park in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Hosted by the Towamencin Township America 250 Committee, the free community event celebrates the United States Semiquincentennial and will feature family-friendly activities, historical programming, and community engagement opportunities.
Members of the public and media are encouraged to attend both events as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026.
