LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va –
The Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution honored Revolutionary War patriot George Booker in a grave-marking ceremony here Sept. 24.
The VASSAR's Thomas Nelson, Jr. Chapter hosted the intimate ceremony at the Sherwood Plot, a small, brick-walled cemetery adjacent to the Langley Club's parking lot. The dignified observance featured the posting of the colors by the Langley Base Honor Guard and VASSAR Compatriots adorned in Revolutionary War-period attire, complete with period weaponry, and orations from Booker descendents and society members.
"George Booker epitomized the ideals of patriotic and selfless service to both his state and new nation," said Joseph Shipes, chapter president. "The Virginia Society is honored and privileged to honor the memory of this great man; especially in front of his descendents and representatives from the United States Air Force."
Dr. Jean von Schilling, a descendent of the Booker family and author of several books about the history of Hampton Roads, chronicled the history Booker's role in the revolution and how Sherwood Plantation came to exist.
Langley AFB is built on the tract of the land formerly known as Sherwood Plantation, which was acquired by Booker in 1771. Booker built his home on the site of the modern-day Langley Club. In addition to his service in the Revolutionary War, Booker served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1782 to 1804. He was High Sheriff in 1793 and an Elizabeth City County court justice in 1805.
The Sherwood Plot features the SAR's newly-installed granite marker among existing interments around a collection of ballast stones arranged on a concrete disc, which served as the original boundary markers of the cemetery. The Air Force has tended the cemetery over the years, maintaining the landscaping and arrangement of the ballast stones based on an agreement made with the Booker family.