On a cold, windy day at the Mount Vernon estate on Saturday, a memorial service was conducted for a patriot of the American Revolution, William “Billy” Lee.

The Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution sponsored the event. Several VASSAR chapters participated in the ceremony, including the Richard Henry Lee Chapter of Irvington. In addition, the ceremony was joined by several Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution and Children of the American Revolution chapters.

Paul Walden, chairman of VASSAR’s Public Education Committee, was master of ceremonies. Donald Francisco, a compatriot of the George Washington Chapter, was the keynote speaker. The VASSAR color guard was present and performed. The ceremony saw a lot of wreaths presented by participants. RHLC president Michael Rhodes of Kilmarnock was one of the wreath presenters.

Francisco said that Lee was born into slavery around 1752 in Westmoreland County. In 1768, he was bought by George Washington and became Was...