Color Guard Schedule
★ Email VASSAR Color Guard Commander to sign up for an event ★
Updates or corrections to the published schedule should be submitted using the form located at the bottom of this page (click button to submit).
Updates or corrections to the published schedule should be submitted using the form located at the bottom of this page (click button to submit).
May 28th 2022 Saturday (10:30 am) – 242nd Commemoration of Buford’s Massacre
Event Level: National
Host/POC: General Francis Marion Chapter, South Carolina SAR/Greg Ohanesian at (843) 479-7193
Location: Buford's Massacre Site, Buford's Crossroad, SC.
Firing Event: Yes
Details: The Battle of Waxhaws (also known as Buford's massacre) took place during the American Revolutionary War on 29 May, 1780, near Lancaster, South Carolina, between a Continental Army force led by Abraham Buford and a mainly Loyalist force led by British officer Banastre Tarleton. Buford refused an initial demand to surrender, but when his men were attacked by Tarleton's cavalry, many threw down their arms to surrender. Buford apparently attempted to surrender. However, Tarleton, the British commanding officer was shot at during the truce, causing his horse to fall and trap him. Loyalists and British troops were outraged at the breaking of the truce in this manner and proceeded to fall on the rebels. While Tarleton was trapped under his dead horse, men continued killing the Continental soldiers, including men who were not resisting. Little quarter was given to the patriots/rebels. Of the 400 or so Continentals, 113 were killed with sabers, 150 so badly injured they could not be moved and 53 prisoners were taken by the British and Loyalists. "Tarleton's quarter", thereafter became a common expression for refusing to take prisoners. In some subsequent battles in the Carolinas, few of the defeated were taken alive by either side. This 'Battle of Waxhaws’ became the subject of an intensive propaganda campaign by the Continental Army to bolster recruitment and incite resentment against the British. Equally plausible accounts of the battle by soldiers from both sides describe Tarleton as having no part in ordering a massacre as he had been trapped under his horse, and when freed immediately ordered thorough medical treatment of American prisoners and wounded.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Geisinger, Hall, Melhuish, Schwetke.
Wreaths must be checked in with the event organizers no later than 10 am.
Note: RSVP form attached below. Response due no later than May 20th.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: General Francis Marion Chapter, South Carolina SAR/Greg Ohanesian at (843) 479-7193
Location: Buford's Massacre Site, Buford's Crossroad, SC.
Firing Event: Yes
Details: The Battle of Waxhaws (also known as Buford's massacre) took place during the American Revolutionary War on 29 May, 1780, near Lancaster, South Carolina, between a Continental Army force led by Abraham Buford and a mainly Loyalist force led by British officer Banastre Tarleton. Buford refused an initial demand to surrender, but when his men were attacked by Tarleton's cavalry, many threw down their arms to surrender. Buford apparently attempted to surrender. However, Tarleton, the British commanding officer was shot at during the truce, causing his horse to fall and trap him. Loyalists and British troops were outraged at the breaking of the truce in this manner and proceeded to fall on the rebels. While Tarleton was trapped under his dead horse, men continued killing the Continental soldiers, including men who were not resisting. Little quarter was given to the patriots/rebels. Of the 400 or so Continentals, 113 were killed with sabers, 150 so badly injured they could not be moved and 53 prisoners were taken by the British and Loyalists. "Tarleton's quarter", thereafter became a common expression for refusing to take prisoners. In some subsequent battles in the Carolinas, few of the defeated were taken alive by either side. This 'Battle of Waxhaws’ became the subject of an intensive propaganda campaign by the Continental Army to bolster recruitment and incite resentment against the British. Equally plausible accounts of the battle by soldiers from both sides describe Tarleton as having no part in ordering a massacre as he had been trapped under his horse, and when freed immediately ordered thorough medical treatment of American prisoners and wounded.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Geisinger, Hall, Melhuish, Schwetke.
Wreaths must be checked in with the event organizers no later than 10 am.
Note: RSVP form attached below. Response due no later than May 20th.
| bufords_massacre_invitation_2022.doc |
A replica of the flag of the 3rd Virginia Detachment carried by Colonel Abraham Buford.
May 29th 2022, Sunday (2:00 pm) - Wreath Laying Patrick Henry Gravesite, Red Hill Plantation
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Patrick Henry Chapter, Virginia SAR / Mark Day oscmbb64@msn.com
Location: Patrick Henry's Red Hill, 1250 Red Hill Road, Brookneal, VA 24528
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Corey.
Details: This event will be attended by VASSAR President Meyer and past President Thomas. The event will be to honor the 286th birthday of Patrick Henry who was born on 29 May 1736. This is being arranged at the request of VASSAR President Myers and Past President Thomas. It is scheduled for Sunday afternoon to fit into the other scheduled events that weekend in South Carolina and Washington D.C. Inscribed on Patrick Henry's tomb: "His fame his best epitaph".
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Corey, Day, Driscoll, Hall, Thomas.
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Patrick Henry Chapter, Virginia SAR / Mark Day oscmbb64@msn.com
Location: Patrick Henry's Red Hill, 1250 Red Hill Road, Brookneal, VA 24528
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Corey.
Details: This event will be attended by VASSAR President Meyer and past President Thomas. The event will be to honor the 286th birthday of Patrick Henry who was born on 29 May 1736. This is being arranged at the request of VASSAR President Myers and Past President Thomas. It is scheduled for Sunday afternoon to fit into the other scheduled events that weekend in South Carolina and Washington D.C. Inscribed on Patrick Henry's tomb: "His fame his best epitaph".
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Corey, Day, Driscoll, Hall, Thomas.
May 30st 2022, Monday (2:pm) - National Memorial Day Parade, Washington DC
Event Level: National
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR/Richard Rankin at brandywinecreek@aol.com
Location: National Mall, Washington, DC.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Raborg (NSSAR Color Guard Commander).
Details: The National Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday, May 30. Participants should plan on being on site by 12:45 p.m., although the SAR does not yet have an assigned muster point -- assume it will be near 7th Street and the Mall.
PLEASE NOTE:
Attached is the release form required from every parade participant. This needs to be signed and mailed to Mike Elston (address listed on the form) no later than 14 May. The form will be forwarded to the parade organizers, and subsequent updates will be sent to your email address. .
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Adamy, Crain, Melhuish, Morris, Weyler, Whitney.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR/Richard Rankin at brandywinecreek@aol.com
Location: National Mall, Washington, DC.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Raborg (NSSAR Color Guard Commander).
Details: The National Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday, May 30. Participants should plan on being on site by 12:45 p.m., although the SAR does not yet have an assigned muster point -- assume it will be near 7th Street and the Mall.
PLEASE NOTE:
Attached is the release form required from every parade participant. This needs to be signed and mailed to Mike Elston (address listed on the form) no later than 14 May. The form will be forwarded to the parade organizers, and subsequent updates will be sent to your email address. .
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Adamy, Crain, Melhuish, Morris, Weyler, Whitney.
| 2022_agreement_of_release_memorial_day_parade.doc |
| evacuation_plan.doc |
Memorial Day Parade 2019
May 30 2022, Monday (11:00 am) - Memorial Day at National Cemetery, Winchester
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Col James Wood II Chapter, Virginia SAR/Dale Corey at dale.corey@comcast.net.
Location: National Cemetery, 305 US Avenue, Winchester, VA
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Osborn
Details: This is a commemorative ceremony to honor Memorial Day and all it stands for. It is co-hosted by the American Red Cross. Muster time for the Color Guard is 10:15. Colors will be presented, posted and retired. A wreath will be presented and a musket salute fired.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Carrigan, Cook, Corey, Daniel, Osborn, Daniel, Robinson, M., St Jacques, Simmons
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Col James Wood II Chapter, Virginia SAR/Dale Corey at dale.corey@comcast.net.
Location: National Cemetery, 305 US Avenue, Winchester, VA
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Osborn
Details: This is a commemorative ceremony to honor Memorial Day and all it stands for. It is co-hosted by the American Red Cross. Muster time for the Color Guard is 10:15. Colors will be presented, posted and retired. A wreath will be presented and a musket salute fired.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Carrigan, Cook, Corey, Daniel, Osborn, Daniel, Robinson, M., St Jacques, Simmons
May 30th 2022, Monday (10:00 am) - National Memorial Day Commemoration, Colonial Williamsburg
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Colonial Williamsburg & Williamsburg Chapter/John Lynch at cslasoz@aol.com
Location: In front of the Governor's Palace, Colonial Williamsburg.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Lynch.
Details: No parade this year. This will be a static event (speakers & podium). Guard muster in front of the Governor's Palace no later than 9:15 am. Additional details have been emailed to the participants.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Adolphi, Brown, Dunaway, Lynch, Morr, Westenberger.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Colonial Williamsburg & Williamsburg Chapter/John Lynch at cslasoz@aol.com
Location: In front of the Governor's Palace, Colonial Williamsburg.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Lynch.
Details: No parade this year. This will be a static event (speakers & podium). Guard muster in front of the Governor's Palace no later than 9:15 am. Additional details have been emailed to the participants.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Adolphi, Brown, Dunaway, Lynch, Morr, Westenberger.
The Governor's Palace, Colonial Williamsburg
June 4th 2022, Saturday (11:00 am) – 241st Commemoration of Wayne's Crossing
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Fairfax Resolves Chapter, Virginia SAR/Wm Forrest Crain at wfcrain@comcast.net.
Location: Spirit of Loudoun Revolutionary War Memorial, Loudoun County Courthouse, 18 E Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: This is a Chapter level event, hosted by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter and commemorating the crossing of the Potomac River by General Anthony Wayne’s army on 31 May 1781. The army passed through Leesburg on 3 June 1781 en route to joining General Lafayette.
UPDATE: Please register before 1 June 2022 at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdraKLsdbYTb1byzAvnpToV4SONEQ5gG8EpYfAlyYuT1aPUQw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Cook, Thomas.
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Fairfax Resolves Chapter, Virginia SAR/Wm Forrest Crain at wfcrain@comcast.net.
Location: Spirit of Loudoun Revolutionary War Memorial, Loudoun County Courthouse, 18 E Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: This is a Chapter level event, hosted by the Fairfax Resolves Chapter and commemorating the crossing of the Potomac River by General Anthony Wayne’s army on 31 May 1781. The army passed through Leesburg on 3 June 1781 en route to joining General Lafayette.
UPDATE: Please register before 1 June 2022 at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdraKLsdbYTb1byzAvnpToV4SONEQ5gG8EpYfAlyYuT1aPUQw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Cook, Thomas.
| waynes_crossing.jpg |
June 11th 2022, Saturday (1 to 3:30 pm) - Col. William Preston Memorial Dedication
Event Level: State (President's Initiative)
Host/POC: Fincastle Resolutions / Rupert Cutler at rupert.cutler48@gmail.com
Location: 57 South Center Drive Daleville, VA 24083
Firing Event: Yes (pending available musketmen)
Event Color Guard Commander: Hall
Details: Registration begins at 1 pm. Indoor event commences at 1:30 pm. Colors will be presented during the indoor portion of the event (Colors will be posted in stands and retired in place). Virginia SAR President Bruce Meyer and Virginia DAR Regent LeAnn Turbyfill will be joined on the speakers’ platform by Botetourt County Supervisor Steve Clinton and Virginia Tech Professor of History Dan Thorp. The theme, “In Defense of Liberty and Patriotism,” will be common to their remarks.
Tommy Moore, Botetourt Clerk of the Circuit Court will be Master of Ceremonies. The event will take place primarily indoors in a large, air-conditioned assembly hall on the ground floor of the adjoining county administration building. The Col. William Preston Memorial is on a site adjoining the Botetourt County Administrative Building in Greenfield, near Roanoke. The permanent granite stone Memorial was constructed recently as an SAR chapter project.
Col. Preston was a founder of Botetourt County and a distinguished Patriot who led Virginia Militia under Nathanael Greene in North Carolina. Appointed Colonel of the Montgomery County Militia by the Continental Congress in 1781, William Preston marched with 350 riflemen from Botetourt and Washington counties to South Carolina to fight the British at Alamance River and Wetzell’s Mill. William Preston died on June 27, 1783, at the age of 53.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Daniel, Hall, Schwetke, Weyler.
Event Level: State (President's Initiative)
Host/POC: Fincastle Resolutions / Rupert Cutler at rupert.cutler48@gmail.com
Location: 57 South Center Drive Daleville, VA 24083
Firing Event: Yes (pending available musketmen)
Event Color Guard Commander: Hall
Details: Registration begins at 1 pm. Indoor event commences at 1:30 pm. Colors will be presented during the indoor portion of the event (Colors will be posted in stands and retired in place). Virginia SAR President Bruce Meyer and Virginia DAR Regent LeAnn Turbyfill will be joined on the speakers’ platform by Botetourt County Supervisor Steve Clinton and Virginia Tech Professor of History Dan Thorp. The theme, “In Defense of Liberty and Patriotism,” will be common to their remarks.
Tommy Moore, Botetourt Clerk of the Circuit Court will be Master of Ceremonies. The event will take place primarily indoors in a large, air-conditioned assembly hall on the ground floor of the adjoining county administration building. The Col. William Preston Memorial is on a site adjoining the Botetourt County Administrative Building in Greenfield, near Roanoke. The permanent granite stone Memorial was constructed recently as an SAR chapter project.
Col. Preston was a founder of Botetourt County and a distinguished Patriot who led Virginia Militia under Nathanael Greene in North Carolina. Appointed Colonel of the Montgomery County Militia by the Continental Congress in 1781, William Preston marched with 350 riflemen from Botetourt and Washington counties to South Carolina to fight the British at Alamance River and Wetzell’s Mill. William Preston died on June 27, 1783, at the age of 53.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Daniel, Hall, Schwetke, Weyler.
Colonel William Preston Memorial, Daleville.
June 11th 2022, Saturday (11:00 am) - Commemoration of the Virginia Declaration of Rights
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: George Mason Chapter Virginia SAR/Ken Morris ken.morris@global-inv.com
Location: Mason Family Cemetery Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Firing Event: TBD.
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: The Commemoration of the Virginia Declaration of Rights authored by George Mason and Adopted on June 12, 1776 by the Virginia Constitutional Convention will take place in the form of a wreath laying at the tomb of George Mason. This document contained points that were used by Thomas Jefferson in the first ten amendments to the U. S. Declaration of Independence less than a month later on July 4, 1776. Immediate Past VASSAR President Jeff Thomas will attend the ceremony.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Davenport, Morris.
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: George Mason Chapter Virginia SAR/Ken Morris ken.morris@global-inv.com
Location: Mason Family Cemetery Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Firing Event: TBD.
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: The Commemoration of the Virginia Declaration of Rights authored by George Mason and Adopted on June 12, 1776 by the Virginia Constitutional Convention will take place in the form of a wreath laying at the tomb of George Mason. This document contained points that were used by Thomas Jefferson in the first ten amendments to the U. S. Declaration of Independence less than a month later on July 4, 1776. Immediate Past VASSAR President Jeff Thomas will attend the ceremony.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Davenport, Morris.
| 2022_virginia_declaration_of_rights_flyer__2_.docx |
Gunston Hall (built 1759)
June 18th 2022, Saturday (10:00 am) - General Daniel Morgan Commemoration
Event Level: State
Host/POC: Col James Wood II Chapter, Virginia SAR/Dale Corey at dale.corey@comcast.net.
Location: Mount Hebron Cemetery, 305 E Boscawen Street, Winchester, VA
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: Daniel Morgan (1735/1736 – July 6, 1802) was an American pioneer, soldier, and politician from Virginia. One of the most respected battlefield tacticians of the American Revolutionary War of 1775–1783, he later commanded troops during the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion of 1791–1794.
Born in New Jersey to Welsh immigrants, Morgan settled in Winchester, Virginia. He became an officer of the Virginia militia and recruited a company of riflemen at the start of the Revolutionary War. Early in the war, Morgan served in Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec and in the Saratoga campaign. He also served in the Philadelphia campaign before resigning from the army in 1779.
Morgan returned to the army after the Battle of Camden and led the Continental Army to victory in the Battle of Cowpens. After the war, Morgan retired from the army again and developed a large estate. He was recalled to duty in 1794 to help suppress the Whiskey Rebellion and commanded a portion of the army that remained in Western Pennsylvania after the rebellion. A member of the Federalist Party, Morgan twice ran for the United States House of Representatives, winning election to the House in 1796. He retired from Congress in 1799 and died in 1802.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Weyler.
Event Level: State
Host/POC: Col James Wood II Chapter, Virginia SAR/Dale Corey at dale.corey@comcast.net.
Location: Mount Hebron Cemetery, 305 E Boscawen Street, Winchester, VA
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: Daniel Morgan (1735/1736 – July 6, 1802) was an American pioneer, soldier, and politician from Virginia. One of the most respected battlefield tacticians of the American Revolutionary War of 1775–1783, he later commanded troops during the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion of 1791–1794.
Born in New Jersey to Welsh immigrants, Morgan settled in Winchester, Virginia. He became an officer of the Virginia militia and recruited a company of riflemen at the start of the Revolutionary War. Early in the war, Morgan served in Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec and in the Saratoga campaign. He also served in the Philadelphia campaign before resigning from the army in 1779.
Morgan returned to the army after the Battle of Camden and led the Continental Army to victory in the Battle of Cowpens. After the war, Morgan retired from the army again and developed a large estate. He was recalled to duty in 1794 to help suppress the Whiskey Rebellion and commanded a portion of the army that remained in Western Pennsylvania after the rebellion. A member of the Federalist Party, Morgan twice ran for the United States House of Representatives, winning election to the House in 1796. He retired from Congress in 1799 and died in 1802.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Weyler.
June 25th 2022, Saturday (11:00 am) - 241st Commemoration of the Battle of Spencer's Ordinary
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Williamsburg Chapter/John Lynch at cslasoz@aol.com
Location: Freedom Park, 5537 Centreville Road, Williamsburg, VA
Firing Event: TBD
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: The Battle of Spencer's Ordinary was an inconclusive skirmish that took place on 26 June 1781, late in the American Revolutionary War. British forces under Lieutenant Colonel John Graves Simcoe and American forces under Colonel Richard Butler, light detachments from the armies of General Lord Cornwallis and the Marquis de Lafayette respectively, clashed near a tavern (the "ordinary") at a road intersection not far from Williamsburg, Virginia. Lafayette had been shadowing Cornwallis as he moved his army toward Williamsburg from central Virginia. Aware that Simcoe had become separated from Cornwallis, he sent Butler out in an attempt to cut Simcoe off. Both sides, concerned that the other might be reinforced by its main army, eventually broke off the battle.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Williamsburg Chapter/John Lynch at cslasoz@aol.com
Location: Freedom Park, 5537 Centreville Road, Williamsburg, VA
Firing Event: TBD
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: The Battle of Spencer's Ordinary was an inconclusive skirmish that took place on 26 June 1781, late in the American Revolutionary War. British forces under Lieutenant Colonel John Graves Simcoe and American forces under Colonel Richard Butler, light detachments from the armies of General Lord Cornwallis and the Marquis de Lafayette respectively, clashed near a tavern (the "ordinary") at a road intersection not far from Williamsburg, Virginia. Lafayette had been shadowing Cornwallis as he moved his army toward Williamsburg from central Virginia. Aware that Simcoe had become separated from Cornwallis, he sent Butler out in an attempt to cut Simcoe off. Both sides, concerned that the other might be reinforced by its main army, eventually broke off the battle.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
Williamsburg Chapter Wreath Laying in 2018
June 25th, Saturday (10:00 am) – Safety, manual of arms and black powder use and firing
Event Level: VASSAR Eastern Region Color Guard Workshop
Host/POC: Eastern Region Commander/Kimball Thompson / thompson15@cox.net
Location: Gloucester Museum of History, 7380 Carriage Court, Gloucester, VA 23061. POC: W. Robert Kelly, Jr RKelley@GloucesterVa.info / 804-693-1234
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Thompson.
Details: This is an Eastern Region training initiative event. Other Virginia SAR chapter color guard members are welcome to participate. Program: Weapons safety, Von Steuben drill and black powder firing from 1000-1200 followed by lunch. For those interested, the museum would like firing demonstrations in the early afternoon. If you have your own black powder cartridges please bring them. Parking is available on Carriage Court adjacent and behind the museum. Kimball Thompson is the Infantry Sergeant, 7th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line.
Note; If planning to attend, please contact Kimball Thompson directly.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Lynch, Melhuish, Thompson
Event Level: VASSAR Eastern Region Color Guard Workshop
Host/POC: Eastern Region Commander/Kimball Thompson / thompson15@cox.net
Location: Gloucester Museum of History, 7380 Carriage Court, Gloucester, VA 23061. POC: W. Robert Kelly, Jr RKelley@GloucesterVa.info / 804-693-1234
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Thompson.
Details: This is an Eastern Region training initiative event. Other Virginia SAR chapter color guard members are welcome to participate. Program: Weapons safety, Von Steuben drill and black powder firing from 1000-1200 followed by lunch. For those interested, the museum would like firing demonstrations in the early afternoon. If you have your own black powder cartridges please bring them. Parking is available on Carriage Court adjacent and behind the museum. Kimball Thompson is the Infantry Sergeant, 7th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line.
Note; If planning to attend, please contact Kimball Thompson directly.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Lynch, Melhuish, Thompson
Gloucester Museum of History
July 2nd, 2022 Saturday (11:00 am) - Independence Day Celebration at the Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach
Event Level: Public Service
Host/POC: Military Aviation Museum / Mitch Welsh at operations@aviationmuseum.us (757-721-7767)
Website: militaryaviationmuseum.org/
VASSAR POC: Melhuish.
Location: Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, VA 23457
Firing Event: Yes (TBC. Event organizer has requested a demonstration musket volley)
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish
Details: The Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach has requested a VASSAR Color Guard to support the opening ceremony at the museum (open to the public) to mark the museum's weekend July 4th commemoration activities. This initiative is endorsed by the VASSAR President. Muster at 10 am. Parading of the Colors will be at 11 am. Immediately after the Colors are retired, there will be a 25 minute narrated flight demo of a WWII Navy Corsair. Event organizer estimates crowd size at 500-700. Food trucks will be on scene. Reserved parking spots will be provided for the Color Guard members.
VASSAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish.
Event Level: Public Service
Host/POC: Military Aviation Museum / Mitch Welsh at operations@aviationmuseum.us (757-721-7767)
Website: militaryaviationmuseum.org/
VASSAR POC: Melhuish.
Location: Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, VA 23457
Firing Event: Yes (TBC. Event organizer has requested a demonstration musket volley)
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish
Details: The Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach has requested a VASSAR Color Guard to support the opening ceremony at the museum (open to the public) to mark the museum's weekend July 4th commemoration activities. This initiative is endorsed by the VASSAR President. Muster at 10 am. Parading of the Colors will be at 11 am. Immediately after the Colors are retired, there will be a 25 minute narrated flight demo of a WWII Navy Corsair. Event organizer estimates crowd size at 500-700. Food trucks will be on scene. Reserved parking spots will be provided for the Color Guard members.
VASSAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish.
The Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach
July 4th, 2022 Monday (9:00 am) - Independence Day and March to the Tomb
Event Level: National
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR/Richard Rankin at brandywinecreek@aol.com
Location: George Washington's Mount Vernon
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: Assemble at the Ann Pamela Cunningham Administrative Building (Building 3 on the Mount Vernon Map below) between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM. At 9:30 AM, we expect to receive the “green light” from the Mount Vernon staff to march down to the Bowling Green, as we pass in review between the ranks of the 1st Virginia Regiment and the George Washington portrayer, then proceeding to the Tomb Grove.
At the Tomb Grove, the George Washington Chapter will conduct a brief ceremony featuring remarks from our Chapter President, Tom Roth. Both the VASSAR and DAR leaders will present greetings from their respective membership. The 2021 VASSAR Rumbaugh Oration Contest winner, Ms. Lauren Bradshaw, will be presenting her winning speech. Following the ceremony, the VASSAR Color Guard will lead us to the Washington Tombs for the wreath laying ceremony. All attendees will then have an opportunity to lay a carnation (provided by the Chapter) at General Washington’s and Martha Washington’s Tombs. The ceremony will conclude no later than 11:00 AM; at which time, we will return to the Tomb Grove for photographs.
Dress Code: As always, we request that all Compatriots either be in Color Guard uniform or blue blazers and khaki pants. Hats and straw boaters are permitted.
Chapter Medal: First-time SAR member participants will receive the George Washington Chapter’s coveted Baldwin-Jones-Tabb medal, which depicts the Washington Tomb. Individuals who wish to purchase the miniature version of the Medal may do so for $ 10.00 (exact currency will be much appreciated).
A Safety Note: Participants are encouraged to bring water, sun screen and wear a hat in the event of hot and humid conditions.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Melhuish, Weyler, Whitney.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR/Richard Rankin at brandywinecreek@aol.com
Location: George Washington's Mount Vernon
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: Assemble at the Ann Pamela Cunningham Administrative Building (Building 3 on the Mount Vernon Map below) between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM. At 9:30 AM, we expect to receive the “green light” from the Mount Vernon staff to march down to the Bowling Green, as we pass in review between the ranks of the 1st Virginia Regiment and the George Washington portrayer, then proceeding to the Tomb Grove.
At the Tomb Grove, the George Washington Chapter will conduct a brief ceremony featuring remarks from our Chapter President, Tom Roth. Both the VASSAR and DAR leaders will present greetings from their respective membership. The 2021 VASSAR Rumbaugh Oration Contest winner, Ms. Lauren Bradshaw, will be presenting her winning speech. Following the ceremony, the VASSAR Color Guard will lead us to the Washington Tombs for the wreath laying ceremony. All attendees will then have an opportunity to lay a carnation (provided by the Chapter) at General Washington’s and Martha Washington’s Tombs. The ceremony will conclude no later than 11:00 AM; at which time, we will return to the Tomb Grove for photographs.
Dress Code: As always, we request that all Compatriots either be in Color Guard uniform or blue blazers and khaki pants. Hats and straw boaters are permitted.
Chapter Medal: First-time SAR member participants will receive the George Washington Chapter’s coveted Baldwin-Jones-Tabb medal, which depicts the Washington Tomb. Individuals who wish to purchase the miniature version of the Medal may do so for $ 10.00 (exact currency will be much appreciated).
A Safety Note: Participants are encouraged to bring water, sun screen and wear a hat in the event of hot and humid conditions.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Melhuish, Weyler, Whitney.
| july_4.pdf |
VASSAR Color Guard 2021
July 9th, 2022 Saturday (11:00 am) - Commemoration of the 246th Anniversary of the Battle of Cricket Hill
Event/Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Richard Henry Lee Chapter/Michael Rhodes at airsllc@gmail.com
Location: Morningstar Marinas,249 Mill Point Rd, Hudgins, VA 23076.
Firing event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Thompson.
Details: In July 1776 General Andrew Lewis, commanding the Virginia forces, erected a battery on the shore facing a stockaded camp on Gwynn's Island established by Governor Lord Dunmore. The artillery fire from this point damaged the camp forcing the British garrison and the beleaguered Lord Dunmore to evacuate the island and put out to sea. Event was hosted by Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter in 2021 and included dedication of a plaque.
VASSAR Color Guard Attendees: Belfield, Lyman, Martin, Russell, Thompson.
Event/Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Richard Henry Lee Chapter/Michael Rhodes at airsllc@gmail.com
Location: Morningstar Marinas,249 Mill Point Rd, Hudgins, VA 23076.
Firing event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Thompson.
Details: In July 1776 General Andrew Lewis, commanding the Virginia forces, erected a battery on the shore facing a stockaded camp on Gwynn's Island established by Governor Lord Dunmore. The artillery fire from this point damaged the camp forcing the British garrison and the beleaguered Lord Dunmore to evacuate the island and put out to sea. Event was hosted by Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter in 2021 and included dedication of a plaque.
VASSAR Color Guard Attendees: Belfield, Lyman, Martin, Russell, Thompson.
July 10th - 15th, 2022 Sunday - Friday. NSSAR Annual Congress
Event/Level: National
Host/POC: GASSAR
Location: Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel, 2 W. Bay Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401.. Hyatt website
Details: Georgia will host the National Congress in Historic Savannah at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel. The Color Guard Breakfast is scheduled for July 11.
Program: 2022 Program
Registration: 2022 Registration
Hotel Reservation: 2022 Hyatt reservation Note: Reservations are now open for the Congress. Contact the Hyatt Hotel directly for reservations referencing the NSSAR Congress for special rates.
VASSAR Color Guard Attendees: Osborn, Weyler.
Event/Level: National
Host/POC: GASSAR
Location: Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel, 2 W. Bay Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401.. Hyatt website
Details: Georgia will host the National Congress in Historic Savannah at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel. The Color Guard Breakfast is scheduled for July 11.
Program: 2022 Program
Registration: 2022 Registration
Hotel Reservation: 2022 Hyatt reservation Note: Reservations are now open for the Congress. Contact the Hyatt Hotel directly for reservations referencing the NSSAR Congress for special rates.
VASSAR Color Guard Attendees: Osborn, Weyler.
Hyatt Regency at Savannah.
August 5th - 6th, 2022 Friday - Saturday. Atlantic Middle States Association (AMSA) Conference
Event Level: Region
Host/POC: Atlantic Middle States Association, SAR. Website
Location: Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, 100 College Road East, Princeton, NJ 08540
Details: The conference begins with registration Friday afternoon, followed by a welcome buffet social at 6 pm. The National Business Meeting follows that evening, along with a separate ladies program.
Program: TBA.
Registration: 2022 Registration (registration form will automatically download to your "Download" folder)
Hotel Reservation: 2022 Reservation (special group rate at $109 per night)
Questions? For quick answers, call or text 609-389-5657, roger@princetonsar.org
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish, Weyler.
Event Level: Region
Host/POC: Atlantic Middle States Association, SAR. Website
Location: Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, 100 College Road East, Princeton, NJ 08540
Details: The conference begins with registration Friday afternoon, followed by a welcome buffet social at 6 pm. The National Business Meeting follows that evening, along with a separate ladies program.
Program: TBA.
Registration: 2022 Registration (registration form will automatically download to your "Download" folder)
Hotel Reservation: 2022 Reservation (special group rate at $109 per night)
Questions? For quick answers, call or text 609-389-5657, roger@princetonsar.org
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish, Weyler.
| amsa_flyer.pdf |
Princeton Marriott at Forrestal.
August 20th Saturday (10:00 am) – Opening Ceremony of the Nansemond Indian Nation Annual Pow Wow
Event/Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Nansemond Indian Patriot Chapter, VASSAR/Tom Bademo at woodenworks@yahoo.com
Location: 1001 Pembroke Lane, Suffolk, VA
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC
Details: Two-day Native American cultural celebration including music, dance, food, and crafts. The pow wow is located at the end of Pembroke Lane which runs off Godwin Boulevard (across from Oakland Elementary School) in the Chuckatuck area of Suffolk.
VASSAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC
Event/Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Nansemond Indian Patriot Chapter, VASSAR/Tom Bademo at woodenworks@yahoo.com
Location: 1001 Pembroke Lane, Suffolk, VA
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC
Details: Two-day Native American cultural celebration including music, dance, food, and crafts. The pow wow is located at the end of Pembroke Lane which runs off Godwin Boulevard (across from Oakland Elementary School) in the Chuckatuck area of Suffolk.
VASSAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC
September 3rd, 2022 Saturday (11:00 am) – 241st Commemoration of the Battle of the Capes
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Norfolk Chapter, Virginia SAR/Gary Pridgen at gpridgen@cox.net
Location: Vice Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse Statue, Intersection of New Guinea Rd. and Atlantic Ave, JEB Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach, VA. (Near the Cape Henry Lighthouse.)
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish.
Details: The Battle of the Virginia Capes or simply the Battle of the Capes, was a crucial naval battle in the American Revolutionary War that took place near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on 5 September 1781. The combatants were a British fleet of 19 ships of the line led by Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Graves and a French fleet of 24 ships of the line led by Vice Admiral François Joseph Paul, the Comte de Grasse. The battle was strategically decisive, in that it prevented the Royal Navy from reinforcing or evacuating the besieged forces of Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. The French were able to achieve control of the sea lanes against the British and provided the Franco-American army with siege artillery and French reinforcements. These proved decisive in the Siege of Yorktown, effectively securing independence for the Thirteen Colonies.
Note: The statue is located on a DoD base and unless attendees posses a valid DoD ID card access will be via Gate #8 (off Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach), where base security will check names of attendees from a roster compiled by the event organizer. More details to follow. Please note: If you do not have a Military ID to get on the base, you will need to complete the attached pdf form and send it to Gary Pridgen as noted on the flyer below by July 15, 2022.
The VASSAR Color Guard Commander has received permission from Base Security to bring two firelocks and two dress swords to the event -- all of which will be provided by the Color Guard Commander, who will be escorted to and from the site by base security. No other SAR weapons will be permitted to be brought on base.
Attendees may wish to bring collapsible chairs if desired.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Melhuish, Thompson.
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Norfolk Chapter, Virginia SAR/Gary Pridgen at gpridgen@cox.net
Location: Vice Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse Statue, Intersection of New Guinea Rd. and Atlantic Ave, JEB Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach, VA. (Near the Cape Henry Lighthouse.)
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish.
Details: The Battle of the Virginia Capes or simply the Battle of the Capes, was a crucial naval battle in the American Revolutionary War that took place near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on 5 September 1781. The combatants were a British fleet of 19 ships of the line led by Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Graves and a French fleet of 24 ships of the line led by Vice Admiral François Joseph Paul, the Comte de Grasse. The battle was strategically decisive, in that it prevented the Royal Navy from reinforcing or evacuating the besieged forces of Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. The French were able to achieve control of the sea lanes against the British and provided the Franco-American army with siege artillery and French reinforcements. These proved decisive in the Siege of Yorktown, effectively securing independence for the Thirteen Colonies.
Note: The statue is located on a DoD base and unless attendees posses a valid DoD ID card access will be via Gate #8 (off Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach), where base security will check names of attendees from a roster compiled by the event organizer. More details to follow. Please note: If you do not have a Military ID to get on the base, you will need to complete the attached pdf form and send it to Gary Pridgen as noted on the flyer below by July 15, 2022.
The VASSAR Color Guard Commander has received permission from Base Security to bring two firelocks and two dress swords to the event -- all of which will be provided by the Color Guard Commander, who will be escorted to and from the site by base security. No other SAR weapons will be permitted to be brought on base.
Attendees may wish to bring collapsible chairs if desired.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Melhuish, Thompson.
| 2022_battle_of_the_virginia_capes_flyer.docx |
| secnav_5512__exp_31may2024__highlighted__003_.pdf |
The French fleet under the command of Vice Admiral de Grasse engages the British fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Graves. De Grasse's statue is located on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story close to Gate 8 off Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach.
(CHANGE) September 10th, 2022 Saturday (4:15 pm) - President General's Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns
Event Level: National
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR/Richard Rankin at brandywinecreek@aol.com
Location: Arlington National Cemetery
Firing Event: No
VASSAR President Escort: Melhuish.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Melhuish, Weyler, Whitney.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR/Richard Rankin at brandywinecreek@aol.com
Location: Arlington National Cemetery
Firing Event: No
VASSAR President Escort: Melhuish.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Melhuish, Weyler, Whitney.
“Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known but to God.”
September 16th -17th, 2022 Friday - Saturday. VASSAR Semi-Annual Conference Williamsburg
Event Level: State
Host/POC: VASSAR.
Location: Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, 105 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA.
Details: TBA
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish, Weyler.
Event Level: State
Host/POC: VASSAR.
Location: Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, 105 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA.
Details: TBA
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish, Weyler.
September 17th, 2022 Saturday (~ 8:00 am) - SAR Vigil at Washington's Tomb
Event Level: National
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR/Paul Walden at PaulWalden@live.com.
Location: George Washington's Mount Vernon, Alexandria, VA
Firing Event: No
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR/Paul Walden at PaulWalden@live.com.
Location: George Washington's Mount Vernon, Alexandria, VA
Firing Event: No
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner.
October 7 - 9th, 2022 Friday - Sunday (Time TBD) – 248th Commemoration of the Battle of Point Pleasant (Battle of Kanawha)
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Point Pleasant Chapter, West Virginia SAR
Location: Tu-Endie-Wei Park, Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Firing Event: TBD
Details: The Battle of Point Pleasant, also known as the Battle of Kanawha, was the only major action of Dunmore's War. It was fought on October 10, 1774, between the Virginia militia and Shawnee and Mingo warriors. Along the Ohio River near modern-day Point Pleasant, West Virginia, forces under the Shawnee chief Cornstalk attacked Virginia militiamen under Colonel Andrew Lewis, hoping to halt Lewis's advance into the Ohio Valley. After a long and furious battle, Cornstalk retreated. After the battle, the Virginians, along with a second force led by Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, marched into the Ohio Valley and compelled Cornstalk to agree to a treaty, which ended the war.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Point Pleasant Chapter, West Virginia SAR
Location: Tu-Endie-Wei Park, Point Pleasant, WV 25550
Firing Event: TBD
Details: The Battle of Point Pleasant, also known as the Battle of Kanawha, was the only major action of Dunmore's War. It was fought on October 10, 1774, between the Virginia militia and Shawnee and Mingo warriors. Along the Ohio River near modern-day Point Pleasant, West Virginia, forces under the Shawnee chief Cornstalk attacked Virginia militiamen under Colonel Andrew Lewis, hoping to halt Lewis's advance into the Ohio Valley. After a long and furious battle, Cornstalk retreated. After the battle, the Virginians, along with a second force led by Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, marched into the Ohio Valley and compelled Cornstalk to agree to a treaty, which ended the war.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
October 15th, 2022 - Saturday (11:00 am) - Joint Patriot Joint Grave Marking of John Chapman Hunter (Rev War and 1812)
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR/Paul Walden at paulwalden@live.com
Location: , Flint Hill Cemetery, 2845 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna (Oakton) VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: Joint grave marking with VASSAR and Virginia Society War of 1812.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Russell.
War of 1812 Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR/Paul Walden at paulwalden@live.com
Location: , Flint Hill Cemetery, 2845 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna (Oakton) VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: Joint grave marking with VASSAR and Virginia Society War of 1812.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Russell.
War of 1812 Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
October 19, 2022 Wednesday (9:00 am) – Wreath Laying at tomb of Thomas Nelson Jr.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Thomas Nelson Jr Chapter, Virginia SAR/Gary Hodges at gary.hodges1@verizon.net
Location: Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown, VA
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish.
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: TBA.
[See attached for proposed Color/Honor Guard formation.]
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Melhuish, Weyler.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Thomas Nelson Jr Chapter, Virginia SAR/Gary Hodges at gary.hodges1@verizon.net
Location: Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown, VA
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish.
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: TBA.
[See attached for proposed Color/Honor Guard formation.]
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Melhuish, Weyler.
| nelson_wreath_laying.pdf |
October 19, 2022 Wednesday (9:00 am) – 241st Commemoration of the Battle of Yorktown Parade
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Thomas Nelson Jr Chapter, Virginia SAR/Gary Hodges at gary.hodges1@verizon.net
Location: Yorktown, VA
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: The Siege of Yorktown, also known as the Battle of Yorktown, the surrender at Yorktown, or the German Battle, ending on October 19, 1781, at Yorktown, Virginia, was a decisive victory by a combined force of American Continental Army troops led by General George Washington and French Army troops led by the Comte de Rochambeau over a British army commanded by British peer and Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis. The culmination of the Yorktown campaign, the siege proved to be the last major land battle of the American Revolutionary War in the North American region, as the surrender by Cornwallis, and the capture of both him and his army, prompted the British government to negotiate an end to the conflict.
[See attached for proposed Color / Honor Guard formation.]
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Melhuish, Thompson.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Thomas Nelson Jr Chapter, Virginia SAR/Gary Hodges at gary.hodges1@verizon.net
Location: Yorktown, VA
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: The Siege of Yorktown, also known as the Battle of Yorktown, the surrender at Yorktown, or the German Battle, ending on October 19, 1781, at Yorktown, Virginia, was a decisive victory by a combined force of American Continental Army troops led by General George Washington and French Army troops led by the Comte de Rochambeau over a British army commanded by British peer and Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis. The culmination of the Yorktown campaign, the siege proved to be the last major land battle of the American Revolutionary War in the North American region, as the surrender by Cornwallis, and the capture of both him and his army, prompted the British government to negotiate an end to the conflict.
[See attached for proposed Color / Honor Guard formation.]
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Melhuish, Thompson.
| yorktown_parade.pdf |
November 11, 2022 Friday - Veterans Day Commemoration
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Various.
Location: Various.
Firing Event: No
Details: Specific event information will be posted as appropriate..
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Various.
Location: Various.
Firing Event: No
Details: Specific event information will be posted as appropriate..
December 3rd, 2022 Saturday (11:00 am) - 247th Commemoration of the Battle of Great Bridge
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Norfolk Chapter, Virginia SAR/Robert Bruce at bobbruce@norfolksar.net
Location: Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, 1775 Historic Way, Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish.
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: This event commemorates the Battle of Great Bridge, fought 9 December, 1775 in the area of Great Bridge, Virginia, early in the American Revolutionary War. The victory by colonial Virginia militia forces led to the departure of Royal Governor Lord Dunmore and any remaining vestiges of British power over the Colony of Virginia during the early days of the conflict. Following increasing political and military tensions in early 1775, both Dunmore and colonial rebel leaders recruited troops and engaged in a struggle for available military supplies. The struggle eventually focused on Norfolk, where Dunmore had taken refuge aboard a Royal Navy vessel. Dunmore's forces had fortified one side of a critical river crossing south of Norfolk at Great Bridge, while rebel forces had occupied the other side. In an attempt to break up the rebel gathering, Dunmore ordered an attack across the bridge, which was decisively repulsed. Colonel William Woodford, the Virginia militia commander at the battle, described it as "a second Bunker's Hill affair". Shortly thereafter, Norfolk, at the time a Loyalist center, was abandoned by Dunmore and the Tories, who fled to navy ships in the harbor. Rebel-occupied Norfolk was destroyed on 1 January, 1776 in an action begun by Dunmore and completed by rebel forces. Additional event details TBA.
[See attached for Color / Honor Guard formation.]
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish, Thompson, Weyler.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Norfolk Chapter, Virginia SAR/Robert Bruce at bobbruce@norfolksar.net
Location: Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, 1775 Historic Way, Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish.
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: This event commemorates the Battle of Great Bridge, fought 9 December, 1775 in the area of Great Bridge, Virginia, early in the American Revolutionary War. The victory by colonial Virginia militia forces led to the departure of Royal Governor Lord Dunmore and any remaining vestiges of British power over the Colony of Virginia during the early days of the conflict. Following increasing political and military tensions in early 1775, both Dunmore and colonial rebel leaders recruited troops and engaged in a struggle for available military supplies. The struggle eventually focused on Norfolk, where Dunmore had taken refuge aboard a Royal Navy vessel. Dunmore's forces had fortified one side of a critical river crossing south of Norfolk at Great Bridge, while rebel forces had occupied the other side. In an attempt to break up the rebel gathering, Dunmore ordered an attack across the bridge, which was decisively repulsed. Colonel William Woodford, the Virginia militia commander at the battle, described it as "a second Bunker's Hill affair". Shortly thereafter, Norfolk, at the time a Loyalist center, was abandoned by Dunmore and the Tories, who fled to navy ships in the harbor. Rebel-occupied Norfolk was destroyed on 1 January, 1776 in an action begun by Dunmore and completed by rebel forces. Additional event details TBA.
[See attached for Color / Honor Guard formation.]
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish, Thompson, Weyler.
| great_bridge.pdf |
The Guard at Great Bridge 2021
December 4th, 2022 Sunday (5 pm) - Gold Star Family Gala
Event Level: Public Service
Host/POC: Honor and Remember Organization / George Lutz, founder. and Gold Star father.
VASSAR POC: Melhuish.
Location: The Founder's Inn, 5641 Indian River Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Hotel reservation: 833-449-1273
Firing event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: The VASSAR Color Guard has supported this annual public service event for more than a decade.. It is held each year to honor and remember our fallen servicemen and women at the Gold Star Family Gala. This event is normally attended by several hundred people. Only a small Color Guard is usually provided: two musket men, and two flag bearers (US and the Honor & Remember flags). This year we would also like to add fife and drummer to the team. Looking for a good point of contact on this last item.
VASSAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish.
Event Level: Public Service
Host/POC: Honor and Remember Organization / George Lutz, founder. and Gold Star father.
VASSAR POC: Melhuish.
Location: The Founder's Inn, 5641 Indian River Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Hotel reservation: 833-449-1273
Firing event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBC.
Details: The VASSAR Color Guard has supported this annual public service event for more than a decade.. It is held each year to honor and remember our fallen servicemen and women at the Gold Star Family Gala. This event is normally attended by several hundred people. Only a small Color Guard is usually provided: two musket men, and two flag bearers (US and the Honor & Remember flags). This year we would also like to add fife and drummer to the team. Looking for a good point of contact on this last item.
VASSAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish.
December 17th 2022 (12:00 PM) Saturday – Wreaths Across America
These Color Guard Events all count as a National Level Event for Silver Color Guard or Von Steuben Medal credit.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Various
Location: Various locations - see below
Alexandria National Cemetery:
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
Arlington National Cemetery:
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
Ketoctin DAR in Loudoun:
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner
Culpeper National Cemetery:
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
These Color Guard Events all count as a National Level Event for Silver Color Guard or Von Steuben Medal credit.
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Various
Location: Various locations - see below
Alexandria National Cemetery:
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
Arlington National Cemetery:
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
Ketoctin DAR in Loudoun:
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner
Culpeper National Cemetery:
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: TBC.
