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Ceremony Honors George Washington On His 280th Birthday

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A public wreath laying ceremony was held at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier in Philadelphia's Washington Square Park on Saturday commemorating George Washington's 280th birthday.

As a Revolutionary War reenactor played taps on his bugle, a group of boy scouts stood at attention during the ceremony in honor of the father of our country.

The event was organized by the Philadelphia Continental Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

"We have a dedicated group of members who carry on the mission of informing and improving citizenship, encouraging participation and knowledge of the founding fathers of this country," said Ken Hanson, chaplain for the group. "We believe that is extremely important to keep these traditions alive."

The Chapter's Color Guard, dressed in Revolutionary War uniform, led the group in a procession to Independence Hall to lay another wreath at the George Washington statue in front of the national icon.

Sons of the American Revolution color guard
(credit: John McDevitt)

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