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Virginia SAR President’s Message: Celebrating Our Compatriots at the 136th Annual CongressCompatriots, It is my privilege to share the outstanding achievements of the Virginia Society at the 136th Annual Congress of the National Society, held this July in Greensboro, North Carolina. These recognitions belong to you—the more than 2,200 members across our 32 chapters who give your time, energy, and heart to advancing the mission of the Sons of the American Revolution. Every certificate, streamer, and award reflects the dedication of compatriots who teach, honor, preserve, serve, and lead throughout the Commonwealth. This year’s Congress made one thing unmistakably clear: Virginia SAR continues to stand among the most active, engaged, and impactful societies in the nation. I am proud to share the honors earned by our chapters and members. Robert L. Sonfield Award -- National award presented to Virginia SARThe award is given directly to the State Society that achieves the largest numerical increase of members by the end of the designated membership year. It is a coveted internal organizational award meant to incentivize growth and recognize robust recruitment and processing efforts among state-level chapters. Thomas J. Bond Award Award -- District award presented to Virginia SAR At the annual district meeting of the Atlantic Middle States Association, held in Newark, Delaware from August 7–9, 2026, the Virginia SAR was proud to receive the Thomas J. Bond Award — recognizing the largest percentage increase in membership across the district.
This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our registrars, chapter genealogists, and member sponsors who continue to welcome new compatriots into the Society. Their commitment strengthens our mission and expands the impact of the SAR throughout the Commonwealth. Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone possible. Your efforts ensure that the legacy of our patriot ancestors is carried forward with purpose and pride. State Society Activities AwardsPresident General’s State Society and Chapter Activities AwardsThe President General’s State Society and Chapter Activities Awards honor societies and chapters that demonstrate exceptional overall performance across SAR programs. Because they reflect comprehensive activity rather than a single initiative, they are considered among the most significant recognitions presented at Congress. State Society Award
Chapter Awards
President General’s CupAwarded to chapters which present evidence of the most complete program of activities.
State Society AwardsAllene Wilson Groves Award and StreamerPresented to the State Society, based upon size, which presents evidence of best implementing SAR resolutions and principles.
State Veterans Service AwardPresented to state societies based upon the percentage of their Chapters submitting reports for the USS Stark Memorial Award.
Admiral William R. Furlong Memorial Award and StreamersAwarded to State Societies which have fulfilled the qualifications of awarding Flag Certificates during the previous year.
James Alexander U.S. Flag Retirement AwardPresented to State Societies for excellence in U.S. flag retirement programs.
Robert L. Sonfield AwardPresented to the State Society with the largest numerical increase of members at the end of the membership year.
Chapter Program ExcellenceLiberty Bell Americanism Award and StreamerPresented to chapters, based upon size, which present evidence of best implementing SAR resolutions and principles.
USS Stark Memorial AwardPresented to chapters with the best record of service to veterans during the past year, based on membership numbers.
Ohanesian History Presentations AwardPresented to chapters whose members collectively, orally make the most presentations of any aspect of the American Revolution to classes or groups in schools (K–12).
Communications ExcellenceCarl F. Bessent AwardPresented to the editor of the most outstanding Chapter newsletter (with cash award).
Individual National HonorsColor Guardsman of the Year AwardPresented to the Compatriot who is the best representative of the Color Guards and the best example of service to the ideals of the SAR by his service as a National color guardsman.
Leadership & Membership PerformanceMatthew Sellers III AwardPresented to the Vice President General who makes the best percentage over quota, based on last year's membership results.
Youth & Outreach Participation StreamersC.A.R. Activity AwardRecognizes SAR support of the Children of the American Revolution.
SAR Middle School Brochure ContestRecognizes participation in the national brochure contest.
SAR High School Essay ContestRecognizes participation in the national essay contest.
SAR Eagle Scout Scholarship CompetitionRecognizes participation in the national Eagle Scout scholarship program.
A Message of Thanks Compatriots, these achievements are not simply awards—they are reflections of your commitment to service, education, patriotism, and the preservation of our nation’s founding principles. Whether you marched in a color guard, taught students about the Revolution, honored veterans, retired flags, supported youth programs, or strengthened your chapter’s outreach, you contributed to the success recognized at Congress. I am deeply grateful for the work you do in your communities and proud of the example Virginia SAR continues to set nationwide. As we move further into America’s 250th anniversary commemorations, I look forward to all we will accomplish together. Thank you for representing the ideals of the Sons of the American Revolution with such dedication and spirit. In patriotism and fellowship, Darrin M. Schmidt |