BLOOMINGTON — As communities across the nation continue to celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial, Monroe County is preparing a permanent tribute to honor the region’s earliest military veterans and founders.
Monroe County and the Bloomington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are co-hosting a formal Patriot Plaque Dedication Ceremony.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 11th, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The dedication will take place on the 1st floor of the Monroe County Courthouse, at 100 West Kirkwood Avenue in downtown Bloomington.
The primary purpose of the ceremony is to unveil a new, permanent commemorative plaque dedicated to honoring the Revolutionary War Patriots who are buried within the borders of Monroe County.
The initiative aligns with the national “America 250” movement, which marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. By researching and identifying the final resting places of these colonial soldiers and civil patriots, the local DAR chapter aims to preserve the county’s direct ancestral ties to the birth of the nation.
Immediately following the formal unveiling inside the courthouse rotunda, the public is invited to attend an off-site reception hosted by the DAR.
The gathering will take place nearby at the Monroe County History Center, located at 202 East 6th Street. The reception will be integrated into the museum’s festive “History On The Block” Party, allowing attendees to mingle, enjoy refreshments, and explore local historical exhibits detailing Monroe County’s pioneer-era history.
Descendants of local patriots, historical re-enactors, and community members are all encouraged to attend to show their support for regional historical preservation efforts.
