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Lebanon, Ohio -- June 17, 2025
Residents of and visitors to Warren County gathered in reverence and pride on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, to unveil a bronze statue commemorating Revolutionary War hero Major General Dr. Joseph Warren, whose valor at the Battle of Bunker Hill exactly 250 years ago became a symbol of American sacrifice.
The ceremony began at 12:00 PM with the Presentation of Colors
by the Ohio Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Honor Guard, joined by Jerry Ferris, Veterans Services Commissioner. This was followed by a moving performance of the National Anthem by Taylor Campbell and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
An invocation was then delivered by Reverend Randy Fannin, a military chaplain and local pastor, setting a reverent tone for the event. Opening remarks came from Robin Kiley
of Stand2Serve, who acknowledged the deep historical and moral significance of Dr. Warren’s legacy.
The featured historical reflection, titled “The Man and This Day in Our History,” was presented by Walter Hunt, Grand Historian, who spoke passionately about Warren’s life—from his youth in Roxbury, Massachusetts to his to laying down his own life at Bunker Hill at age 34.
The centerpiece of the ceremony was the unveiling and dedication of the statue by Greg Davis, Chair of the Joseph Warren Alive Statue Committee, who presented a moving speech of Dr. Warren’s dedication to liberty and freedom.
From Dr. Davis’s speech:
“Today, Warren County embraces and claims our namesake – America’s Founding Martyr! Finally, friends, we dedicate the statue today, not only in Major General Dr. Joseph Warren’s name, but to him and all liberty lifting people; past, present, and millions yet unborn!”
The statue, created by sculptor John Hebenstreit, depicts Dr. Warren beneath a stylized Liberty Tree, holding his physician’s cane and tools. Hebenstreit shared insights into the inspiration behind his design, reflecting on the weight of honoring a man whose ideas still resonate through American values.
A solemn placing of the wreath followed, performed by the Daughters of the American Revolution, a symbolic gesture to honor Warren’s ultimate sacrifice.
Next, 1st Lt. Orlando Sonza, Executive Director of the Veteran Service Commission, spoke about “The Spirit of Joseph Warren,” emphasizing the enduring influence of Warren’s leadership and character. This was followed by a heartfelt reading titled “I Know a Hero Not Far from Here,”
performed by Jerry Ferris and written by Robin Kiley.
Reverend Randy Fannin returned for the benediction, and Taylor Campbell delivered a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace,” drawing the crowd into silent reflection.
The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun musket salute and the playing of Taps, honoring not just Dr. Warren, but all who have served in the name of liberty.
The statue now stands at the Harmon Museum’s South Broadway entrance, funded by the Warren County Foundation, Historical Society, Warren County Commissioners, and local donors. It is a lasting tribute to a man whose life calls each generation to “act worthy of yourselves,” as Dr. Warren once urged.
On this day, Lebanon not only unveiled a monument but rekindled the spirit of America’s earliest sacrifice—a story carved in bronze and carried forward by its people.
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