SAR Commemorates Army 250 and Flag Day at Washington’s Mount Vernon

ALEXANDRIA and FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (15 June 2025)—On June 14, more than 150 SAR compatriots, distinguished guests, and representatives from patriotic organizations gathered on the hallowed grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon to celebrate Flag Day and the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States Army. Hosted by the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, this special event honored the birth of America’s first national institution and its enduring legacy of service.

June 14, 1775, marked the Continental Congress’s call for the enlistment of expert riflemen—sparking the formation of the Continental Army. Just one day later, on June 15, General George Washington assumed command, bringing unity, vision, and resolve to the newly formed force that would carry a fledgling nation to victory.

The day’s commemorations (PDF) began at sunrise at Mount Vernon’s Texas Gate, where SAR presented a Flag Certificate to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association in tribute to their enduring stewardship. Secretary General Michael Elston led the ceremony, joined by Historian General Jeffrey Thomas, National Color Guard Commander Scott Collins, and George Washington Chapter President Scot Bryant, along with color guardsmen Joseph Dooley, Paul McComb, Mark Jackson, and fifer Don Francisco, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army (Retired). The Commander-in-Chief’s standard and the U.S. flag were raised in solemn tribute to Flag Day.

Attendees then processed across the estate grounds (see top photo by Thomas M. Roth III, and video by David Harrity below) to Tomb Grove, where the National Color Guard and dignitaries gathered for a poignant wreath-laying ceremony and a series of remarks. Speakers included National SAR officers and leaders from allied organizations, such as The American Legion, the NSDAR, and the Children of the American Revolution. The voices represented the full spectrum of our American patriotic tradition.

Compatriots from at least 15 states—including Alabama, Connecticut, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Rhode Island, and West Virginia—joined their brethren from host state Virginia to show unity in purpose and shared reverence for American military heritage.

Among the day’s most stirring moments was the keynote address delivered by Lieutenant General Leslie C. Smith, U.S. Army (Retired), (pictured right, photo by Michael Elston) whose distinguished service culminated as the Army’s 66th Inspector General. Introduced by CSM Douglas Gibbens, USA (Retired), General Smith offered inspiring reflections that bridged the service of today’s Army with that of the Revolution’s earliest patriots, including insight into the legacy of the Army’s first inspector general. In recognition of his service, General Smith was presented the Commander-in-Chief Flag flown over Mount Vernon that very day, before joining Secretary General Elston and Legion Past National Commander Brett Reistad to render honors to a commemorative wreath.

Colonel David Shaul, USA (Retired), chair of the National SAR Veterans Committee, led a roll call of U.S. Army veterans and active-duty personnel present—bringing generations of service into a shared moment of pride. Reverend Tom Costa opened and closed the ceremony with heartfelt invocation and benediction.

For the first time in SAR history, an official grave marking was conducted for both General and Mrs. Washington at the Washington Family Tomb. Led by the National Color Guard, the Honor Party delivered wreaths and remembrances. Historian General Jeff Thomas presented patriot biographies of General George and Martha Washington and then George Washington Chapter president Scot Bryant led the Grave Marking ceremony along with Reverend Tom Costa.

Following a luncheon at the Mount Vernon Inn, the group journeyed to the National Museum of the United States Army, where Director Tammy E. Call welcomed attendees to a new exhibit, “Call to Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War.” Over 200 artifacts were on display—including notable items on loan from SAR collections—bringing Revolutionary history vividly to life.

The evening concluded with the Army 250 SAR Gala, where nearly 100 compatriots gathered to honor the Army’s founding in high style. The event featured a stirring visit from His Excellency George Washington, portrayed by Dan Shippey, and the ceremonial cake-cutting by the youngest and oldest U.S. Army representatives in attendance. Several planning committee members received the National Henry Knox Achievement Medal in recognition of their service, and the assembly joined in singing the Army Song, led by Richmond Chapter, Virginia SAR past President and Virginia SAR Recording Secretary Chris Yohn.

Historian General Thomas closed the evening with warm thanks and an invitation to reunite in Philadelphia later this year for the 250th commemorations of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Additional Photos:

Photo: George Washington Chapter President Scot Bryant (left) and Secretary General Michael Elston (right) present the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association with a National SAR Flag Certificate, presented to Jason Rusk, Director of Events and Volunteers. (Photo provided by Michael Elston.)

Photo: National SAR Color Guard Commander Scott Collins leads participants to the Tomb Grove ceremony followed closely behind by American Legion Past National Commander Brett P. Reistad (left) and, to Commander Reistad's left is Lt. General Leslie Smith, USA (Ret.), marching to Ceremony at Washington Tomb Grove. (Photo courtesy of David Watt, St. Augustine Chapter, Florida SAR.)

Photo: SAR U.S. Army 250th Anniversary wreath flanked by SAR compatriots ____ (left) and Stephen Taylor (right), Connecticut SAR, at the historic SAR Grave Marking of George and Martha Washington at Washington's Tomb. (Photo courtesy of David Harrity, George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR.)

Photo: Virginia SAR Treasurer CSM Jon Rymer, USA (Ret.) in uniform hands the ceremonial sword to SAR's oldest and youngest (Registrar General Brooks Lyles) U.S. Army veteran soldiers present at the Army 250 Dinner Gala. CSM W. Douglas Gibbens, USA (Ret.), is at the podium to give the history and importance of this Army tradition to those gathered at dinner gala held the Westin Old Town Alexandria.(Photo courtesy of David Harrity, George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR.)