Williamsburg Chapter Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The celebration, conducted at the Colonial Heritage Club on April 13, 2019, featured invitations to special guests from the City of Williamsburg, representatives from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation,  and representatives from historic and patriotic organizations – R. Bruce Meyer, third Vice President of VASSAR – Celia Adolphi, Regent-elect of the Williamsburg Chapter DAR – Linda West of the George Wythe Chapter C.A.R.  A Colonial Williamsburg fife and drummer and the Chapter color guard opened the festivities.  The National Anthem was sung and compatriot Bruce Wilcox, past President-General NSSAR, then led the pledges.

William Greaf, chapter president,  gave a brief overview of the history of the Williamsburg Chapter. The chapter  was chartered on April 15, 1969 when NSSAR President-General Walter Sterling installed first chapter president Gerald Finn.  Starting with 30 members, the chapter has grown to approximately 180 members.

A “young” Thomas Jefferson, aka Kurt Smith, a CWF Nation Builder, was the keynote speaker.  Jefferson, accompanied by Bruce Wilcox, chapter past (1990} president Reginald Beane, and William Greaf, cut the 50th Anniversary cake with a sword.  There was a commemorative toast to the next 50 years by all present, led by President Greaf.  The celebration was then concluded by the singing of Auld Lang Syne, led by Past President Harley Stewart.
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President Greaf has stated that the Williamsburg Chapter will continue to perpetuate and honor the services and sacrifices of all American Patriots who fought and supported the war for our independence.  The chapter will also continue to assist schools, teachers, and the community to sustain, preserve and maintain our constitutional principles and the institution of freedom.
Submitted by:  Harley Stewart

Photos (clockwise):

• Thomas Jefferson, aka Kurt Smith, speaks to Chapter
•  Chapter President Greaf presents Jefferson with Certificate and Jefferson Cup
• Jefferson Cuts 50th Anniversary Cake with Reginald Beane, Bruce Wilcox, and William Greaf
• The Williamsburg Chapter