29 July, 2017.  The VASSAR Color Guard presented colors at a pre-game ceremony at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, VA.   The Colonel William Grayson Chapter planned, coordinated the event and participated in Color Guard.  VASSAR President Michael Elston in Continental uniform carried the flag of the United States of America, Colonel William Grayson Chapter Compatriot Paul Chase in Continental uniform was Color guard Commander, Vern Eubanks of the Fairfax Resolves Chapter in Continental Uniform Carried a musket, Jeff Thomas, President Fairfax Resolves in Continental Uniform carried the VASSAR Flag, Colonel William Grayson Chapter Compatriot Barry Schwoerer in militia uniform carried the Virginia Flag, Mike Taimi, President Colonel William Grayson Chapter in Continental Sailor uniform carried a cannon ram.   The VASSAR Color Guard was accompanied by Paula Schwoerer, Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill Chapter NSDAR, in a Revolutionary period dress, carried the NSDAR Flag, and Jacob Schwoerer in militia uniform carried the Colonel William Grayson Chapter Children of the America Revolution Flag.
     Members from the VASSAR leadership team, members of several chapters of Virginia SAR Chapters, and members from several chapters of Children of the American Revolution witnessed presentation of Colors and stayed to enjoy the ballgame between the Potomac Nationals and the Mrytle Beach Pelicans

     About 25 members of the Virginia SAR attended an Evening at the Ball Park to showcase the SAR to the public.  This evening's event was organized and hosted by the Richmond Chapter, and members of six chapters participated: Colonel Fielding Lewis, Colonel William Grayson, Culpeper Minutemen, Dan River, George Washington, and Richmond. The Virginia SAR was represented by President Mike Elston, 3rd Vice President Bill Schwetke, and Secretary Wayne Rouse. The Virginia SAR Color Guard presented the colors for the National Anthem, the Virginia SAR was recognized on the scoreboard and by the announcer, SAR trifolds were passed out to interested men in the crowd, we had a great time, and the Flying Squirrels won in an exciting game!  Next Saturday we will be at the Potomac Nationals' game in Woodbridge.

On Saturday, July 15, members of the Colonel George Waller Chapter and Larry Aaron of the Dan River Chapter established a living history camp on the grounds of the Historic Yates Tavern (1750) in Gretna, Virginia.
 
Larry Aaron who is president of the Pittsylvania Historical Society welcomed the crowd of approximately 200 to the event and program which included a debate on the front steps of the tavern regarding the issues leading up to the break with Great Britain.   The visitors toured the restored tavern and circulated through the encampment asking questions about the colonial era and the American Revolution. 
 
Cider and watermelon were served the guests and Gail Vogler of the General Joseph Martin Chapter - DAR provided instruction to children and adults on colonial games.
 
The Pittsylvania Historical Society, Town of Gretna, Pittsylvania County, and the Thomas Carter Chapter – DAR also provided sponsorship and support of the event

     Independence Day festivities in Culpeper commenced at noon with a program by the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter that began with the Chapter Color Guard marching up Davis Street from the Train Depot to the sound a fife and drum to the Courthouse Lawn.  There Culpeper Mayor Michael Olinger, County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Frazier, and General Assembly Delegate Nick Freitas spoke to the significance of the day.  Then, Ben Franklin (wonderfully portrayed by Barry Stevens), fresh from Philadelphia, explained the deliberations that led to the Declaration of Independence.  Jim Bayne then read the Declaration of Independence and invited those gathered to add their names to those who had signed the document in Philadelphia.  Charles Jameson was the Master of Ceremonies.  The program concluded with music by the Blue Ridge Chorale and a sequential volley by 5 muskets.

     Later the Culpeper Minutemen climbed aboard a decorated trailer, towed behind Jim Bayne's truck, and led the parade down Main Street in Culpeper, followed by the DAR handing out 500 small flags to the crowd, and the C.A.R in a decorated van..  The Culpeper Minutemen were joined by Col William Grayson President Mike Taimi for the parade.

Preparing for the Parade.

     Over 50 SAR compatriots, plus DAR and C.A.R. members, marched to George Washington's Tomb at Mount Vernon today, conducted a ceremony in the grove by the tomb, then presented a wreath and carnations at the tomb.  The event was organized and led by the George Washington Chapter.  President Mike Elston represented the Virginia SAR, and along with President Emily Elston of the Virginia C.A.R. presented a wreath to honor President Washington.
     Chapter Vice President Ernie Coggins organized the ceremony and was the master of ceremonies.  The keynote speaker was Kelly Shepperson, winner of the Virginia SAR Rumbaugh Orations Contest, who will be competing for national honors in Knoxville next week.
     Music for the march was provided by the 10 members of the Frederick Town Fife and Drum, which added considerable flair to the event.