​photo is the participants of the Elks Flag Day Ceremony, back row, members of the Elks Lodge, 2nd row, VFW Post 2123 Honor Guard and front row Colonel James Wood II Compatriots and American Legion Post #21 Riders

​On 14 June 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a Flag Ceremony sponsored by Elks Lodge #867 on the Walking Mall in Winchester.  The event was supported by American Legion Post 21 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2123.  When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren't fighting under a single flag.  Most regiments participating in the War for Independence fought under their own flags.  The units were the local and state militias.  In 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army.  This was to be a unified colonial fighting force with hopes of a more organized battle against the British.  On 14 June the Army was officially formed with authorization for the enlistment of expert riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year.  This also led to the creation of what was, essentially the first "American" Flag, the Continental Colors.  Two years later, 14 June 1777, the continental Congress passed a resolution stating "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white" and "the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation."  With the addition of Vermont and Kentucky to the Union, two stripes and two stars were added in 1794.   With the westward expansion of the United States and the addition of more states, Congress realized that adding stripes to the flag would be impractical. So Congress passed the Flag Act in 1818, restoring the original 13-stripe design with one star added for each additional State.    In 1885, Bernard Cegrand, a small-town Wisconsin teacher originated the idea for an annual flag day, to be celebrated across the country every June 14.  That year, he led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday.  It was on 30 May 1916, that President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14.  It was not until August 1949 that an Act of Congress declared 14 June as National Flag Day. 
 
Dave Gardiner, exalted ruler of B.P.O.E. Lodge #867 emcee'd the event with members of the lodge providing readings and presentations of 9 American Flags beginning with the Continental Colors, which had the 13 alternating stripes and the Union Jack in the canton.  It was first flown in December of 1775.  The progressed through the the changes to the national colors up to the current 50 star flag.  An additional tribute was paid to the POW/MIA flag.  Elks Lodge participants included Esteemed Leading Knight Robyn Ann martin, Esteemed lecturing Knight Bryan Burnes, 5 Year Trustee Jim Venable, 2 Year Trustee Jay Marts, Chaplain Mel Poling, Jimmy Lee who provided the music and Wayne Graham Past Exalted Ruler and Vietnam Veteran who carried the POW/MIA Flag.  Members of the  Compatriots from the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution who participated included Sean Carrigan, Dale Corey, Thomas "Chip" Daniel and Kelly Ford.  American Legion Post #21 Legion riders from Winchester alternately presented flags during the readings were Andy Vaughn, Tony Ferrell, Steve Renner and Ann Painter.  The National Anthem was played; Pledge of Allegiance recited; a rifle salute and the playing of Taps from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2123 and the singing of God Bless America

​Virginia State Musket Squad firing a musket salute.  (Photo courtesy of Tom Roth.) 

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​On 18 June 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter conducted a commemoration to General Daniel Morgan.  The event was held at his gravesite in Mt Hebron Cemetery to commemorate Morgan's contributions to the victory in the American Revolutionary War, beginning with the Bee Line March in August 1775.  After the battles of Lexington and Concord on 19 Apr 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized 10 rifle companies to be recruited from local militia ranks.  Two of these were to be from Virginia.  Virginia answered the call to aid the Continental Army in June 1775.  The Berkeley County Riflemen, which mustered under Captain Hugh Stephenson in Mecklenburg on 21 June and a second, mustered under the command of Daniel Morgan from Frederick County at Winchester on 22 June.  Morgan was chosen by a unanimous vote by the Committee of Frederick County to form one of these companies and became its commander.  He recruited 96 men in 10 days and assembled them at Winchester on 14 July.  His rifle company of marksmen was nicknamed "Morgan's Riflemen".    The long rifles used were more accurate and had a longer range than other firearms at that time, but took much longer to load.  The company raised by Stephenson had planned to meet Morgan's company in Winchester, but found them gone.  Morgan marched his men 600 miles to Boston in 21 Days, arriving on 6 Aug.  Stephenson's unit marched from Morgan's Spring, arriving in Cambridge after 24 days on 11 August.  These marches became known as the Bee Line march.  Both companies covering 600 miles in a relatively short period of time.  Daniel Morgan would go on to experience one of the most adventurous paths among Colonial officers.  He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Quebec on 31 December 1775 and paroled by the British in 1776.  He returned to the Army to led successful battles at Saratoga and the decisive victory at Cowpens in January 1781.  At the Cowpens, Morgan used tactics never before used in developing a double envelopement to encircle the British which resulted in the total destruction of one of the British elite units.  The aftermath of the battle saw General Lord Cornwallis move his army to Yorktown and an eventual defeat at the hands of the colonial forces led by George Washington.  Participating for the Sons of the American Revolution were members of Colonel James Wood II (CJWII), Culpeper Minutemen (CMM), Fairfax Resolves (FR),  General Daniel Morgan (GDM), George Mason (GM), George Washington (GW) and Sgt Maj John Champe (SJC) Chapters.  The Daughters of the American Revolution were represented by the Lanes Mill (LM) chapter.  The ceremony was emcee'd by Dale Corey with chaplain duties presented by Rt Rev Larry Johnson.  Michael St Jacques of CJWII provided a presentation on the Bee Line March which was followed by presentation of wreaths.  Ernie Coggins, 1st Vice President of the Virginia State Society presented greetings as well as a wreath for the State.  John Petrie (CJWII), Bill Schwetke (CMM), Dave Cook (FR), Paul Parish (GDM), Ken Morris (GM), Richard Rankin (GW) and Ken Bonner (SJC) presented honors for the SAR chapters with Anita Bonner presenting for the DAR.  The color guard was a combined Virginia State guard.  Brett Osborn commanded the Color Guard carrying the U.S., Virginia State, National Society SAR and 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War flags.  Ken Bonner led the Honor Guard carrying the various chapter flags.  Marc Robinson was the commander of the sentinel squad.  A 15 man musket salute a three round salute to honor Daniel Morgan.  Additional members of the color guard included Sean Carrigan, Paul Christensen, Jim Cordes, Pete Davenport, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Kelly Ford, Doug Hall, John Petrie, Will Reynolds, Barry Schwoerer and Mike St Jacques (all CJWII primary or dual members.)  

​photo is the Colonel James Wood II Chapter primary and dual members.  Kneeling l. to r. Ernie Coggins, Doug Hall, Sean Carrigan, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Dale Corey, Mike St Jacques, Ken Bonner.  Standing middle row Larry Johnson, Barry Schwoerer, Paul Christensen, Kelly Ford, Marc Robinson, John Petrie, Brett Osborn, Bill Schwetke and Dave Cook.  Back row l. to r.  Will Reynolds and Jim Cordes.  (Photo courtesy of Thomas "Chip" Daniel.)  

The Williamsburg Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, presented the NSSAR Flag Retirement Certificate to American Legion Post 1776 on 24 May 2022.  The post places flag collection boxes around the area to collect worn and unserviceable flags for proper retirement ceremonies.  Pictured (L to R) are Post Commander, Gerald Mitchell, and George Corbett, Chapter Flag Recognition Committee Chairman.  Photo by Karen Corbett. ​

​Mark Favazza presents information about the Gaspee Affair at
the RHLC luncheon 6-14-2022

​              The Richard Henry Lee Chapter (RHLC) of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR) held a luncheon meeting 14 June 2022 at the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club (ICYCC). The RHLC President, Michael Rhodes, presided. Rhodes announced the program today will deal with two principal matters: the Gaspee Affair that occurred 250 years ago on  9 June 1772 and Flag Day with the retirement of over 30 damaged and unusable American flags contributed for this purpose by local businesses and individuals.
 But before the program, Rhodes said the first order of business was to present membership certificates to Myron Edwin (Mike) Lyman Sr and to Cary L (Doc) Broadway Jr for 25 and 10 years of faithful service, respectfully. Both gentlemen are residents of Lancaster County.
Next Rhodes introduced the guest speaker for the day:  Mark Favazza a Northern Neck dignitary of the YMCA who has spoken to RHLC several times in the past. Favazza subject was the Gaspee Affair. The setting was Rhode Island.
 Favazza began his presentation by noting that Rhode Island was unique among the colonies sense its charter granted by Great Britain permitted it to have a governing body, a court and religious freedom. The economy of Rhode Island was maritime since because of its rock filled terrain agriculture was limited.
              Like the other colonies Rhode Islanders were becoming upset by the many taxes Great Britain was imposing on them.
In early 1772, King George III, sent the HMS Gaspee and her soon to be hated commander, Lt. William Dudingston, to the Narragansett waterways of Rhode Island, to enforce some very unpopular trade laws and prevent smuggling. Dudingston aggressively pursued his mission repeatedly harassing merchants who were conducting legal operations. He even would often overtake cargo laden ships that had already passed customs inspection in Newport, at the mouth of the Narragansett.
              A group of Rhode Islanders had had enough of Dudingston and the Gaspee and decided they would teach him a lesson.
The Gaspee was an ocean sailing vessel that had a deeper draft than the local ships. They knew that Dudingston was particularly attracted by boats carrying gold. So, they hatched a plan that a ship laden with gold would be heading up the Narragansett on 9 June at a time approaching low tide.
              On 9 June 1772 when the sloop Hannah left Newport for Providence with the rumor of gold on board, the Gaspee gave chase. Captain Lindsey of the Hannah deliberately lured Dudingston across the shallows off Namquid Point (since renamed Gaspee Point), just as low tide was occurring.  The Gaspee ran hard aground on the rocky sandbar and was unable to move or break free.
              The Hannah continued to Providence. Upon arrival, Captain Lindsey reported the situation to John Brown, one of the most prominent and respected merchants in Rhode Island.
Brown immediately assembled a group of militia men. And dressed in Indian attire they manned small boats and rowed down to the Gaspee. When reaching the ship, they wounded Dudingston and took him and the entire crew as prisoners.
The next day the men returned and destroyed the Gaspee by fire.
              The British were furious and demanded that those responsible should be captured and brought to Great Britain to be tried.  This never happened because it was impossible to identify the culprits              because of the Indian ruse and the silence of the Rhode Islanders.
There are those who argue, said Favazza, that the Gaspee Affair was the start of the Revolutionary War.
              Mr. Favazza was greeted with standing applause by the audience and presented a book by the President Rhodes thanking him for his presentation.
              Next RHLC celebrated national Flag Day by retiring over 30 worn and damaged flags that had been given to RHLC for that purpose by local merchants to include Noblett’s and Ace Hardware as well as by ICYCC. RHLC presented a certificate to representatives present who had submitted flags which were Joe Hudnall of Noblett’s and Brian Darlak, General Manager of ICYCC.
              The retirement ceremony followed guidelines provided by the National Society Sons of the American Revolution which included a color guard. The flags are to be burned. This was the first time RHLC has conducted this ceremony but intends to make it an annual Flag Day event.
              The next meeting of RHLC will be 13 September 2022. President Rhodes reminded and encouraged all to attend
the reading of the Declaration of Independence 2 July 2022 at Historic Christ Church. This annual event is jointly sponsored by the Cobbs Hill Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), RHLC and Christ Church. If you are interested in learning more about RHLC contact President Rhodes 1-804-929-1444.

​L-R: Thomas Nelson Jr compatriot Jeff Brown, RHL President
Michael Rhodes, Cobbs Hall DAR past Regent Michele Tucker,
RHL compatriot Mike Lyman

The National Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) through State and local Chapters recognizes outstanding Public Service and Heroism by our First Responders. This is done by honoring the men and women in the public service sectors of Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, and Emergency Medical Services for their contributions to the community and for heroic acts.  It is my pleasure to be here this afternoon to recognize one of these individuals. 
 
Master Trooper (Ret.), Randall “Randy” M. Pieper was recognized during the 248th Commemoration of the Loudoun Resolves event by the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter, Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution at the Loudoun County Courthouse Grounds on Saturday June 18, 2022.  Master Trooper (Ret.), Pieper was awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal for his years of exceptional service.
 
Rhett Wade, Chairman of the Public Service Committee of the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter read the citation along with the Chapter’s President Kenneth Bonner presenting the award.  The Citation for Master Trooper (Ret.) Pieper reads;
 
Master Trooper (Ret.), Randall “Randy” M. Pieper has served this nation and the Commonwealth of Virginia with distinction in the field of Law Enforcement for over forty years.  After obtaining a degree in Criminal Justice he began his career in Law Enforcement serving as Military Police with the D.C Army National Guard after which he joined the Virginia State Police and served for thirty-six years rising to the rank of Master Trooper.   During his extensive law enforcement career, which began in 1977, he has served in many capacities, to include Highway/Road Patrol, Tactical Team, Field Training Officer, and as an Instructor.  While assigned with the Virginia State Police Tactical Team, Master Trooper (Ret.) Pieper has trained with the U.S. Navy Seals, FBI, and a number of other Agencies and is certified in the areas of hostage rescue, observer/sniper, search and rescue, and as an armored personnel carrier driver.  His assignments included the protection and security of high valued facilities after the 9/11 attack, worked the VA/DC sniper case, and participated in numerous drug raids, hostage situations, and assisted riot teams.  Throughout his career Master Trooper (Ret.) Randall “Randy” M. Pieper was a stellar role model and mentor to new recruits as well as his counterparts and was dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of this Nation and the Commonwealth of Virginia.  It is with great pleasure and honor that the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of The American Revolution, presents Master Trooper (Ret.) Randall “Randy” M. Pieper, for his years of service with distinction and devotion, the Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal.
 
Master Trooper (Ret.), Randall “Randy” M. Pieper received the commendation and medal along with his wife, Anne Nelson-Pieper. The Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution congratulates Master Trooper (Ret.) Pieper on the award of this commendation and medal for over forty years of exceptional service, dedication, and acc

​Pictured from left to right: : Rhett Wade, Chairman, SMJC Chapter Public Service Committee, Anne Nelson-Pieper, , Master Trooper (Ret.) Pieper, and SMJC Chapter President Kenneth Bonner.

​Location: Freedom Park Visitor’s Center, 5537 Centerville Road, Williamsburg, Va 23188
 
Start time: 10:00 AM, 26 June, 2022
 
Point of Contact:  Williamsburg Chapter Vice President John Lynch; E-mail: cslasoz@aol.com.
 
Background of the battle:
 
The 1781 engagement at Spencer’s Ordinary took place between Patriot forces (Virginia militia and a detachment of Continentals) and British troops (John Simcoe’s Queens Rangers and an attached unit of German Jaegers). Both sides failed in their primary mission: the Patriots to cut off and capture the British foraging party; the British to bring back cattle to Cornwallis’ main army in Williamsburg. Simcoe’s troops were forced to retreat from the battle after being flanked but were shortly thereafter met by British troops marching from Williamsburg. British returned to hold the deserted battlefield. The Patriots recovered the cattle and then rapidly withdrew. Today Freedom Park, the intersection of Longhill and Centerfield Roads, the gas station adjacent to the intersection, and the veterinary clinic across the street from the gas station are found within the bounds of this Revolutionary War battle.  

​By Will Thomas
 
BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - William Preston is well known to many across southwest Virginia. In the area where he once lived, around 100 people went out Saturday to the dedication ceremony of his memorial.
“He would have been humbled. Embarrassed, but thankful of you all here today,” said Tommy Moore, Botetourt County Clerk of Court.
John Bradshaw and Dr. Rupert Cutler are on the Preston Memorial’s Organizing Committee and have been working toward this milestone for more than a decade.
“We’ve been pleased to work for 14 years now to provide this memorial,” said Cutler.
 
Each thanked the many organizations that helped make the day possible, including Botetourt County leaders, the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution and Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, to name a few.
“I have to commend Botetourt County and the administration, of the support they have given us on this,” said Bradshaw.
“This is an opportunity to do something that both the SAR and the DAR talk about, bringing the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution together in a patriotic project to honor one of our most important founding fathers,” said Cutler.
Some of Preston’s descendants were also in attendance. They were excited his history can continue to be shared.
 
“I think that this monument is an educational monument. You can really come here, and really learn quite a bit about the location, and the person and I think that’s really what counts,” said Edward C. Preston.
It’s a history that included the enslavement of African Americans on the family’s Greenfield Farm, something Botetourt County Supervisor for the Amsterdam District, Steve Clinton, and Virginia Tech’s Dr. Daniel Thorp dove deeper into.
“Everything about this country that’s great today came at a cost and it’s important that we understand that. That we honestly acknowledge the contributions of all of the people and the cost to all of the people, and to recognize all of the people who helped build this nation, even those who did so unwillingly. This does not diminish William Preston and his contemporaries, it simply puts them in context and completes the story,” said Thorp.
It’s a history that will continue to live for generations.
 
For more information on Col. Preston, you can learn a little more about him from the press release below:
“Colonel Preston served in the Virginia House of Burgesses and was a colonel in the militia during the American Revolutionary War. He was also one of fifteen that signed the Fincastle Resolutions. A licensed surveyor, he with his wife Susanna, established a farm at Greenfield in 1762 where they employed enslaved Africans to raise hemp. He held every major office in Botetourt County when it was created in 1770.”

Official party and Color Guard

Descendants of William Preston

Photo is the combined color guard l. to r. Kelly Ford, Bill Schwetke, Marc Robinson, Ken Bonner, Mike St Jacques, Richard Turner, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Mark Sink, Allan Phillips and Dale Corey.  

​On 11 June 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter along with the Sgt Maj John Champe and Culpeper Minutemen Chapters of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in an opening ceremony for the Honor Flight conducted by Honor Flight - Top of Virginia (HFTV). 
 
HFTV is a hub of the Honor Flight Network created to honor America's Veterans for their sacrifices.  They serve the Shenandoah Valley, Loudoun County and beyond with top priority to senior veterans along with those that are terminally ill.  They transport the veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the various memorials on the mall and then are taken to Arlington National Cemetery to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The Top of Virginia conducts three flights a year.  The remaining trip for 2022 will be from Harrisonburg on 24 Sep.  They accept applications from veterans who served prior to 1975. 
 
At the 11 Jun event, the veterans arrived for a social time and pictures from 7:00 - 7:30 and all have a guardian assigned to assist them throughout the day.  The flight visits the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Memorials with a box lunch provided to all who attend.  The changing of the guard is the final stop and they are then returned to the point of debarkation where they are met with flag waving fans of our American heroes.  The opening ceremony consisted of the combined Colonel James Wood II, Sgt Maj John Champe and Culpeper Minutemen Chapter Color Guards presenting the colors.  Sentinels Thomas "Chip" Daniel and Mike St Jacques were stationed at the entrance as the guard led by commander Marc Robinson marched into the room.  The guard was called to present arms for the singing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.  The guard then retired to prepare an Honor Guard for the veterans to proceed through on their way to the bus.  Guardsmen participating included Ken Bonner, Dale Corey, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Kelly Ford, Allan Phillips, Marc Robinson, Bill Schwetke, Mark Sink, Mike St Jacques and Richard Tyler 

​The James Monroe Chapter Sons of the American Revolution sponsor a poster and brochure contest that encourages students to study American history. The poster contest is for third. Thru fifth grade students. The brochure contest is for the sixth thru eighth grades. Poster contestants make their posters based on an event of the American revolution and the brochure contest students focus on the fundamental documents of the beginning of the United States. A first, second and third place award is in a monetary form. Firsts place $150.00 second place $100.00 and third $50.00. The winning entry of the chapter contest forwarded to the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution State contest. The 2022 Poster contest winners are Lucas McComb 1st, Liam Gallagher 2nd and Aiden Helms 3rd. Brochure contest winners are Alexis Anderson 1st, Owen Norman 2nd, and Karsen Sanders 3rd. Lucus McComb's poster and Alexis Anderson's brochure took second place in the State contest. Lucus received a check for $100.00 and Alexis received $200.00. All this year’s contestants are students of the Light of the World Christian Academy Dunnsville Va. 

​Pictured: Lucus McCombs, Charles Belfield President James Monroe Chapter and Alexis Anderson

​The James Monroe Chapter Sons of the American Revolution sponsor a poster and brochure contest that encourages students to study American history. The poster contest is for third. Thru fifth grade students. The brochure contest is for the sixth thru eighth grades. Poster contestants make their posters based on an event of the American revolution and the brochure contest students focus on the fundamental documents of the beginning of the United States. A first, second and third place award is in a monetary form. Firsts place $150.00 second place $100.00 and third $50.00. The winning entry of the chapter contest forwarded to the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution State contest. The 2022 Poster contest winners are Lucas McComb 1st, Liam Gallagher 2nd and Aiden Helms 3rd. Brochure contest winners are Alexis Anderson 1st, Owen Norman 2nd, and Karsen Sanders 3rd. Lucus McComb's poster and Alexis Anderson's brochure took second place in the State contest. Lucus received a check for $100.00 and Alexis received $200.00. All this year’s contestants are students of the Light of the World Christian Academy Dunnsville Va.