President Poole reported on the grave marking ceremony held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Mars Hill Cemetery in Acworth, Georgia, where the Captain John Collins Chapter, in partnership with the Mars Hill Memorial Association, dedicated a 250th Anniversary marker honoring 250 years of American freedom and commemorating the Revolutionary War service of Captain John Collins.

The ceremony included a welcome by President Jim Poole, invocation by Hon. William Floyd Jr., presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the SAR Pledge led by Lewis Ray Jr., introduction of guests, unveiling of the marker, presentation of wreaths, the SAR Recessional, retirement of colors, benediction, and closing remarks.

Program materials explained that Mars Hill Cemetery is one of Acworth’s oldest historic sites, with burials dating to the early 1800s, and noted that Captain John Collins served in several Carolina regiments during the Revolution, fought at Briar Creek, King’s Mountain, Jamestown, and Yorktown, later settled in what became Cobb County, and is buried at Mars Hill Cemetery.

According to the Marietta Daily Journal, the event drew SAR members, community leaders, and descendants of Captain Collins. The article reported that the newly unveiled plaque was placed at Collins’s headstone and that Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill presented a proclamation declaring May 16, 2026, as Captain John Collins Day.

The newspaper also noted that descendants of Captain Collins attended, including Jeff Donahoo, who expressed appreciation for the recognition of his ancestor’s military service and family history. State Sen. Ed Setzler also attended and spoke about the importance of remembering the principles and sacrifices of the Revolutionary generation as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

A large wreath presentation was conducted as part of the ceremony, with wreaths presented by representatives of the Captain John Collins Chapter, Georgia SAR, other SAR chapters, and several NSDAR chapters and organizations, reflecting broad support for commemorating Captain Collins’s service and preserving local Revolutionary War history.

President Poole noted that the event successfully honored the chapter’s namesake, highlighted the chapter’s role in advancing remembrance ahead of the national semiquincentennial, and strengthened ties with descendants, local officials, and hereditary and patriotic organizations in the community.