​On a very hot, sweltry May 21, 2022, the Norfolk Chapter hosted a grave marking honoring six Revolutionary Patriots and twenty War of 1812 veterans at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Norfolk. Dr. Ken Hawkins, VASSAR Eastern Region Chair and 2nd Vice President, Virginia War of 1812 Society opened the ceremony and called for the Posting of the Colors by a combined SAR and 1812 Color Guard led by Vassar Color Guard Commander, Chris Melhuish. VASSAR President, Bruce Meyer and Virginia War of 1812 Society President, Paul Walden gave welcoming remarks.
The Invocation was given by Norfolk Chaplain Wayne Boone, and the Pledge of Allegiance and SAR Pledge were led by Norfolk Past President Gary Pridgen and Norfolk Secretary Dr. Pat Hannum respectively. Biographies of the Patriots and Veterans were read alternatively by Tim Ahlgrim, Norfolk Vice President and Mike O’Shea, Norfolk Treasurer. These were researched and written by the two compatriots.
The Plague unveiling was performed by VASSAR President Bruce Meyer, Virginia War of 1812 Society President Paul Walden, and Past President Mike Lyman. The dedication was given by Dr. Ken Hawkins with prayers by Dr. Mark Jumper.
The Wreath Laying was led by Robert Bruce, Norfolk President and consisted of fourteen wreaths. These included the National Society Sons of the American Revolution by Mike Elston, Chancellor General, the Virginia Society SAR by Bruce Meyer, President, the Virginia Society of the War of 1812 by Paul Walden, President, the Virginia Society of the Children of the American Revolution by William Elston, President, and the Virginia Society Order of Founders and Patriots of America by Dr. Ken Hawkins, Deputy Governor. Chapters represented were Norfolk Chapter SAR, Adam Thoroughgood Chapter NSDAR, Fort Norfolk Chapter, U.S. Daughters of 1812, George Washington Chapter SAR, Great Bridge Chapter NSDAR, Richard Henry Lee Chapter SAR, Williamsburg Chapter SAR, Col James Wood II Chapter SAR, and Culpeper Minutemen Chapter SAR.
Taps were rendered by Curtis Rogers, Esq. of Bugles Across America, and the SAR Recessional was led by Norfolk Chapter compatriot Hank Almond.
After the Benediction, VASSAR President Bruce Meyer and Ken Hawkins gave special recognition to Barbara Early, President of Cedar Grove Cemetery Foundation, Portsmouth, Virginia by presenting her with the Virginia Society Graves Preservation Medal and Certificate. She has been instrumental in producing biographies of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veterans buried in the cemetery and maintaining their graves. She also served as a host of grave marking ceremonies held several years ago in Portsmouth.

Photo is the musket squad firing a salute.  (Photos courtesy of Thomas "Chip" Daniel.) 

​On 30 May 2022, the Colonel James Wood II (CJWII) Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the American Red Cross, with support of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2123 co-sponsored a commemoration to all military who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.  The practice of decorating soldiers graves is an ancient custom.  Graves were decorated with flowers in the US during and following the Civil War and while numerous locations claim to be the originator of Decoration Day,  Waterloo, NY was officially recognized as the birthplace of the observance in 1966.  The ceremony was held at National Cemetery in Winchester.  Stacy McFarland, Executive Director of the American Red Cross (ARC) of the Greater Shenandoah Valley provided a welcome followed by an Invocation from the Reverend James Simmons of the SAR.  The CJWII Color Guard presented colors for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Charles Hunter, 1SG USA (Ret)  (VFW) and the singing of the National Anthem led by Dale Corey CPT, USA (Ret) (CJWII).  A Poem of Remembrance was provided by Karen Wallace-Williams followed by the Keynote Speaker, Joan Grewe, LTC USA (Ret).  She spoke of the challenges of being a woman in the military and about the reason for Memorial Day.  Dale Corey conducted a folding of the flag ceremony.  After the folding, the flag was symbolically presented to LTC Grewe by the President of the CJWII, Thomas "Chip" Daniel.  A musket squad led by commander Brett Osborn fired a three round salute in honor of all our fallen heroes, followed by Charles Hunter playing Taps.  God Bless America was sung, a benediction and closing remarks ended the ceremony.  Members of the American Red Cross who made this possible, included Leslie Caliva, Edie McGoff, RN LtCol, USAR (Ret), Claudia Bell, RN, LtCol, USAF (Ret) and Nancy Braswell, Col USAF (Ret).  Participating compatriots from the CJWII Chapter included Sean Carrigan, David Cook (dual member from Fairfax Resolves Chapter), Jim Cordes (dual member from Fairfax Resolves), Dale Corey, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Marshall DeHaven, David Jenkins, Brett Osborn, Will Reynolds, Clay Robinson, Eric Robinson, Marc Robinson, Jim Simmons, Mike St Jacques and Richard Tyler.  

Photo is the CJWII color guard and supporters.  Kneeling l. to r. Sean Carrigan, Mike St. Jacques, Dale Corey and Thomas "Chip" Daniel.  Standing l. to r.  Richard Tyler, Will Reynolds, Clay Robinson, Brett Osborn, Eric Robinson, Jim Cordes, Jim Simmons, Marc Robinson, David Jenkins, Anne Simmons and Marshall DeHaven

​photo is the musket squad preparing for the ceremony

​photo is the Honor Guard in place l. to r. Dale Corey, Marc Robinson, Sean Carrigan, Jim Cordes and Mike St. Jacques with the empty chair.  

​On 30 May 2022, the Colonel James Wood II (CJWII) Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) participated the Middletown Memorial Day Recognition and Wreath Laying Ceremony held at the Middletown Veterans Memorial.  Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in the service of the United States of America.  Memorial Day in the U.S. was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead.  It was officially proclaimed by Commander in Chief, Grand Army of the Republic, General John A. Logan, on 5 May 1868 by General Order Number 11.  "The 30th of May, 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and who bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land."  The date was chosen as it was not the anniversary of any particular battle and possibly as a date when flowers would be in full bloom.  On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery as 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the soldiers buried there.  He stated "If silence is ever golden, it must be beside the graves of 15,000 men, whose lives were more significant than speech and whose death was a poem the music of which can never be sung."  It was observed every May 30 until the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which took effect in 1971, when Memorial Day was moved to the last Monday of May.  In December 2000, Congress passed a law requiring Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember and honor the fallen.  The ceremony was conducted by Raymond Steele with chaplain duties by Reverend Clay Knick.  Presentation of the Color was conducted by the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the SAR led by commander Brett Osborn.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Raymond Steele with the National Anthem sung by Geovanni Rodriguez.  Remarks were presented by Karen Shrum, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Benefits in the Veterans Benefits Administration.  This was followed by a wreath laying by Mayor Charles Harbaugh, IV and Karen Shrum to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.  An Empty Chair ritual was presented to honor Gary Fletcher, a veteran who was an important member of the Middletown Community.  He was responsible for the construction of the Veterans Memorials in Middletown and Stephens City as well as the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Winchester.  The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2123 Honor Guard fired a three volley salute in honor of those who did not return.  Taps was played by Andrew Paul as the final curtain in the commemoration of Memorial Day.  Compatriots from the Colonel James Wood II Chapter included Wayne Barringer, Sean Carrigan, David Cook (dual member from Fairfax Resolves Chapter), Jim Cordes (dual member from Fairfax Resolves Chapter), Dale Corey, Marshall DeHaven, Brett Osborn, John Petrie, Will Reynolds, Clay Robinson, Eric Robinson, Marc Robinson, Jim Simmons, Mike St Jacques and Richard Tyler 

​photo are sentinels at the entrance to the Veterans Memorial, l. to r. Mike St Jacques and Thomas "Chip" Daniel.  (Photos courtesy of Thomas "Chip" Daniel.)  
 

​photo is the Colonel James Wood II Chapter l. to r. Anne Simmons, Jim Simmons, Sean Carrigan, Mike St Jacques, Dave Cook, Clay Robinson, Brett Osborn, Marc Robinson, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Will Reynolds, Richard Tyler, John Petrie, Jim Cordes and Eric Robinson.  

​.  l. to r. Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Matt Wendling, Dale Corey, Brett Osborn and Jim Heflin.  (Photo courtesy of Thomas "Chip" Daniel) 

​On 25 May 2022, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution presented a Bronze 250th Anniversary Medal to Matt Wendling, Planning Director, Warren County Planning Department.  This medal is presented by the Sons of the American Revolution to individuals who support the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.  This includes the planning and execution of the events as well as participation.  Wendling is chairing a committee for the planning and promotion of the anniversary in Warren County.  The committee includes SAR compatriots Dale Corey, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Jim Heflin and Brett Osborn.  Warren County was established in 1836 from portions of Shenandoah and Frederick Counties.  A significant number of individuals from the area that became Warren County participated in the War for Independence.  Recognition will be given to the patriots associated with the County as well as anniversaries of significant events during the period 2014-2033.  This includes an annual commemoration of Dr Joseph Warren, namesake of the County and the patriots who are buried in cemeteries throughout the area.  Photo is the presentation of the SAR Bronze 250th Anniversary Medal being presented 

​L-R: SMJC Attendees Ken Bonner, Jacob Schwoerer, Mark Sink, Barry Schwoerer.  Not pictured Rhett Wade and Richard Ryan.

​Descendants of Revolutionary War Patriots turned out in force to honor the fallen on Memorial Day 2022 at the Loudoun County Courthouse in Leesburg.  Four Chapters of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), two Societies of Children of the American Revolution, (N.S.C.A.R) and the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter Virginia SAR presented wreaths in honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  Wreaths were presented in front of the Revolutionary War Memorial “Spirit of Loudoun”, located on the courthouse lawn.  Prior to the ceremony, the Sgt Maj John Champe (SMJC) Chapter posted the U.S. Flag, VA State Flag, and the Chapter flag in front of the “Spirit of Loudoun”.
 
Presenting wreaths for NSDAR were Kecia Brown, Regent Ketoctin Chapter; Katie Bischoff, Regent Stone Bridge Chapter; Anne Ballinger, incoming Regent Mary Hemmings Bell Chapter; and Paula Schwoerer, Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill Chapter.
 
Presenting wreaths for N.S.C.A.R were Wyndy Frederick, Senior President Reverend John Marks Society and her two granddaughters; and Jacob Schwoerer, Col. William Grayson Society.
 
Presenting a wreath for SMJC Chapter was Mark Sink, in militia uniform. SMJC President Ken Bonner, Vice President Barry Schwoerer, and Jacob Schwoerer participated in militia uniform.  SMJC chairman of the Public Service Committee, Rhett Wade, and Richard Ryan attended in civilian attire.
 
Colors were presented and retired by the Loudoun County High School Naval Junior ROTC Color Guard.  The National Anthem was sung by Miss Neve Holloway.  A rifle salute was executed by the rifle team from VFW Post 1177 and Taps was rendered by Aidan Jackson.  The guest speaker was U.S. Army Lieutenant General (Ret) Bruce T. Crawford.
 
NSDAR
Katoctin Chapter Regent Kecia Brown, Susan Petrakes, Wanda English, Linda Knowlton, Christine Langley-Obaugh, Bobby May, Gail Ann Adams, Victoria Baylor Daley
Stone Bridge Chapter Regent Katie Bischoff
Mary Hemmings Bell Chapter incoming Regent Anne Ballenger
Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill Chapter Paula Schwoerer

​SMJC attendees with Representatives of NSDAR and NS.C.A.R in front of “Spirit of Loudoun”

​On 29 May 2022, the Colonel James Wood II chapter led a multi-chapter Color Guard for presentation and retiring of colors for the 2022 Berryville Memorial Day Celebration conducted at Rose Hill Park in Berryville, Va.  The event was co-sponsored by VFW Post 9760 and American Legion Post 41.  Participating for CJWII Chapter were Brett Osborn, Color Guard Commander, Marc Robinson, Will Reynolds and Richard Tyler.  Dual members of CJWII Barry Schwoerer (Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter) and David Cook (Fairfax Resolves Chapter) carried muskets as honor guards.  Ms. Kimberly Gregory-Lowe played bagpipes during the presentation and retirement of colors.  The event was attended by approximately 200 people from Clarke County.  The guest speaker was Rear Admiral Larry R. Marsh (Retired), who had a 35 year career in the US Navy.  The ceremony included music provided by the Clarke County High School Band and the Clarke County High School Chamber Choir. It was truly a small-town American Memorial Day Celebration.  

​photo is the Color Guard l. to r. Marc Robinson, Brett Osborn, Barry Schwoerer, Will Reynolds, Richard Tyler and Dave Cook (photo courtesy of Barry Schwoerer)

​photo is Ms Kimberly Gregory-Lowe and Brett Osborn (photo courtesy of Marc Robinson)
 

​On 27 May, The Fairfax Resolved Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution awarded 23 students with certificates for entering the Elementary School Poster Contest.  Two students were contest winners.  Raymond Mastoras came in 2nd place in the chapter-level contest.  Haley Jeffry won the 1st place chapter-level and the Virginia state-level contests.  Her poster will compete at the SAR’s National Society Conference in July. 
The awards were preceded by a Flag History program given to six different fourth grade classes.  The presentation began with each of SAR member discussing the clothing they were wearing.  These included a colonial naval uniform, militia, and two variations of Continental Army uniforms.
Chapter members engaged the students in a discussion of the transition from the original British flag to the various symbolic flags flown during the Revolution, showing examples of each.  These included the Grand Union Flag, the Virginia Liberty Flag, the flag of the Culpepper Minutemen, the Liberty Tree Flag, the Betsy Ross Flag, the Hopkinson's Flag and  the Bennington Flag.   Also reviewed were the various Flag Acts and changes to the national flag including variations of the flag including the 15-star “Star Spangled Banner” flag and the 20-star flag which followed.  The students were quick to point out that the various flag acts had failed to standardize the flag.    The presentation ended with a discussion of the current U.S. flag. 

Haley Jeffry, with her father, receives her first place poster awards from the Fairfax Resolves Chapter. Also present, from the left are David Cook, W. Forrest Crain, Jeff Thomas, Larry McKinley and John Thomas.  

​On 24 May 2022, the Colonel James Wood II and Sgt Maj John Champe Chapters of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution with support from the Fairfax Resolves Chapter conducted a medal presentation ceremony in Leesburg, Virginia.  They presented a Bronze 250th Anniversary Medal to Ketoctin Daughters of the American Revolution Regent Kecia Brown for her outstanding support of the SAR program in supporting the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.  As we get closer to this event, plans are being made to commemorate numerous events from that war on the 250th anniversary of each.  Planning and informing the public of this important anniversary are the beginning of the actual celebrations to be held.  Ms Brown has been a strong supporter of the SAR and partners with us at every opportunity.  The ceremony was conducted after a DAR dedication ceremony of a white oak tree that had been propagated at Mount Vernon and transplanted to Morven Park, Leesburg.  A brass plaque has been forged and will be placed at the base of the tree by the Ketoctin DAR Chapter.  Dale Corey and Brett Osborn conducted the ceremony and presented the Bronze medal to Ms Brown while the color guard combined from three chapters of the SAR stood in honor of the accolade.  From the Colonel James Wood II Chapter were Sean Carrigan, Dale Corey, Thomas "Chip" Daniel and Brett Osborn.  From Sgt Maj John Champe were Ken Bonner and Barry Schwoerer.  Representing Fairfax Resolves Chapter were Dave Cook and Jim Cordes 

​Picture is the color guard with Kecia Brown l. to r. Brett Osborn, Barry Schwoerer, Sean Carrigan, Kecia Brown, Dave Cook, Thomas "Chip" Daniel, Ken Bonner and Dale Corey (Photo courtesy of Thomas "Chip" Daniel") 

​ 
PURCELLVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS RECOGNIZED FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
24 May 2022, Town Council Work Session, Purcellville, Virginia
 
Sergeant David Camp and Officer Alexander Burkett were recognized during the Purcellville Town Council Working Session with Mayor Kwasi Fraser, Members of the Town Council, Deputy Chief Dailey, and the Public in attendance. Sergeant Camp and Officer Burkett were awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal by the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter, Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, in cooperation with the Purcellville Police Department’s Chief Cynthia McAlister and Deputy Chief Dave Dailey.  Both Sergeant Camp and Officer Burkett were responding to a local matter and Ms. Beth Lopez and Ms. Kim Zurinski accepted the honors on their behalf.  Sergeant Camp and Officer Burkett arrived after completing their call out assignment to receive their awards in person.

The citation for honoree’s Sergeant David Camp and Officer Alexander Burkett reads:
 
In November 2021, the Purcellville Finance Department contacted the Police Department requesting a routine “check the welfare” of a resident. The water at this address had been turned off due to unpaid water bills. It was assumed that the property was vacant after numerous unsuccessful contact attempts were made, until a neighbor paid the past-due notices and informed them the resident was in fact in the home. The water service was immediately restored and Sergeant David Camp was dispatched to check on the resident’s wellbeing. Upon contact, he learned that the gentleman’s wife had passed away nearly two years earlier and that he had no other living friends or family. The resident was unaware of how to access his finances since his wife had handled these matters. This left him without many of the services needed for one’s quality of life. Sergeant Camp immediately contacted the Loudoun County Adult Protective Services, and they worked to schedule and provide the much needed services and nutritional needs for him. Sergeant Camp even used his own money to help the resident with his personal necessities while awaiting the services to begin. This involvement by Sergeant Camp quickly evolved into a deep friendship.
 
Since Sergeant Camp was the usual daily contact with the elderly resident, he took the initiative to bring by other officers to meet and assist the gentleman. Officer Alexander Burkett was one of those officers, who quickly gained the gentleman’s trust and friendship.  When Sergeant Camp was unable to call or visit him, Officer Burkett would ensure the elderly gentleman was getting needed nutrition and services, or just to engage in friendly conversation to help make his day.
 
During that winter, the gentlemen was admitted to the hospital.  Sergeant Camp visited the man every day, even on his days off. Upon his release from the hospital and his admission into a rehabilitation center, Sergeant Camp continued his visits by stopping at his window and communicating by phone since visitors were not allowed inside.  Due to the sudden hospitalization, the gentlemen was unable to gather his necessities.  Sergeant Camp, without hesitation, used his own money to purchase needed clothing and toiletry items.
 
Upon his release, both Sergeant Camp and Officer Burkett have continued their close contact with this gentleman to ensure he was receiving the necessary follow-up care and to assist him with needed daily and weekly household tasks.  Sergeant Camp and Officer Burkett, to this day, continue to ensure the trash is collected, put at the curb and return the receptacle to the house. Both Sergeant Camp and Officer Burkett have even used their own funds to purchase needed groceries when public and private sources did not have what the elderly citizen needed to meet his dietary restrictions.
 
What started as a simple “welfare check” potentially was a life-saving event for this resident.  Sergeant David Camp and Officer Alexander Burkett actions demonstrate the highest degree of commitment to their Department’s policing philosophy of community engagement and outreach.  Their willingness to go above and beyond the “call of duty” and to directly engage a citizen in need with their kindness, generosity and compassion, reflects highly on themselves and their profession, the Purcellville Police Department, the citizens of the Town of Purcellville, and to 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, present Sergeant David Camp and Officer Alexander Burkett with the Law Enforcement Commendation and Medal.
 
Representing the Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution, in Color Guard Uniform, were Chapter President Ken Bonner and Vice President Barry Schwoerer.  The Citations were read by Chapter Member Rhett Wade, Chairman of the Public Service Committee. 

Beth Lopez and Kim Zurinski, accepting the award for Sgt. Camp and Officer Burkett. Joined by Mayor Kwasi Fraser, Purcellville Town Council Members, Deputy Chief Dave Dailey, Ken Bonner, Barry Schwoerer and Rhett Wade.

​Pictured from left to right: SMJC Chapter Public Service Committee Chairman Rhett Wade, Sergeant David Camp, SMJC Chapter President Ken Bonner, Officer Alexander Burkett, and SMJC Chapter Vice President Barry Schwoerer