Francis Marion dedication

Members of the Ocala Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and guests gathered on June 23, 2026, at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park for an unveiling and dedication ceremony for a monument honoring Marion County namesake and Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, nicknamed “the Swamp Fox.” [Photo by Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

Ben Franklin should’ve brought his kite and key along as a thunderstorm passed over the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on June 23 during an unveiling and dedication ceremony for a monument honoring county namesake and Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion.

“I didn’t bring my kite,” quipped Will Baker-Palenik, dressed in character as Ben Franklin, with a nod to Franklin’s legendary kite-flying electricity experiments.

Baker-Palenik, decked out for the occasion as the Early American figure, from a tri-corner hat to buckle shoes, was accompanied by his wife, Patricia, a member of the Ocala Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, dressed as Mrs. Franklin.

The $15,000 marker plaque project was spearheaded by the Ocala chapter and was funded under a $1million state grant set for these type projects by nonprofits by Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to chapter regent Holly Denton.

Denton stated there was no prior memorial to Marion in the county.  

A grant written by local DAR chapter honorary regent Beth Coleman secured funding for the monument.   

A plaque embedded in the monument states that Marion, namesake of Marion County, was a general in the South Carolina Militia and an “innovative leader and freedom fighter” known as the “Swamp Fox” for his “daring, guerrilla style” raids on British troops.

“We remember Francis Marion, a true patriot, who was willing to sacrifice his life and fortune for the cause of Liberty and the Establishment of these United States,” the plaque reads in part.  

The plaque is contained in a brick stand under the Liberty Tree in the eastern section of the 6-plus acre park.

The America 250! Daughters of the American Revolution, America 250 Florida and Marion Celebrates America 250 initiatives are listed in the dedication program.  

The project was supported by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, Friends of Marion County Veterans Park and the Marion County Veterans Service Office. The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard posted the colors for the event. 

During the dedication and unveiling ceremony, Denton spoke about supporting the Constitution and love and respect for the American flag. She also read “From Many, One.”

Kathy Sheppard , DAR chaplain, offered an invocation and benediction and Margaret Arthur provided a rendition of the national anthem and music including “The Ballad of Francis Marion” and “Amazing Grace.”

Carly Mc Cullagh, president of the Ocali Society, Children of the American Revolution, led the attendees in the pledge of allegiance.

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Carl Zalak III addressed the gathering of about 75 people before the marker plaque was unveiled. He spoke of Marion’s unconventional fighting methods and spirit of liberty and how his example continues to influence local leaders.

“Every time we say Marion County, we remember him,” Zalak said in part.  

The Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park opened in 1997 and contains more than 5,000 bricks, 200 benches and 100 plaques.

To learn more, go to marionfl.org