Updates or corrections to the published schedule should be submitted to the VASSAR Color Guard Commander.

Guardsmen should evaluate their ability to participate in physically stressful conditions. Event Color Guard Commanders will conduct a safety walk-through of the venue before the event commences and raise safety-related issues (e.g., heat index, trip hazards, etc.) with the event coordinator for resolution and mitigation. ALL firelocks brought to the event will be safety-checked before the event commences -- without exception. Firelocks that do not pass or have not been safety-checked will not be permitted at the event site.

In case of a VASSAR-related accident/incident, the VASSAR Accident/Incident Report form (clickable link updated February 2023) is also provided in the Resource Section (see pull down tab). Event coordinators are strongly encouraged to have a blank paper copy available.

Insurance: VASSAR insurance coverage does not extend to non-VASSAR members, such as DAR, C.A.R., or re-enactors. Event coordinators should decline any non-VASSAR individual participation in our color guards (especially in a black powder firing event) if the participating individual's organization is not covered by an insurance company. VASSAR is in the process of exchanging proof of insurance (COI) with adjacent State SAR Societies and this list will be posted here when complete. It should be noted that not every SAR State Society currently has liability insurance.

Color Guard Archives may be accessed at Archives by year

2023 SCHEDULE

October 7^th, 2023, Saturday (11:00 am) – 243^rd Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain, Blacksburg, SC

Event Level: National
Host/POC: Kings Mountain Chapter NCSSAR / Daniel Morgan Chapter SCSSAR.
Location: Kings Mountain National Military Park, 2625 Park Rd., Blacksburg, SC.
Firing Event: TBC
Details: The Commemoration of the 243^rd Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain is scheduled for Friday, October 7, 2022, with the wreath-laying ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. Anticipate about 60 min. total time.

A registration table will be set up outside the Visitors Center to link up with the National Color Guard Commander and the other state color guard participants.

The Battle of Kings Mountain was fought on October 7, 1780, and destroyed the left wing of Lord Cornwallis' army, effectively ending Loyalist ascendance in the Carolinas. The victory halted the British advance into North Carolina, forced Lord Cornwallis to retreat from Charlotte into South Carolina, and allowed General Nathanael Greene to reorganize the American Army. The Patriot force of about 1,400 men was under the overall command of Colonel William Campbell, Virginia Militia.

In "The Winning of the West," SAR Compatriot President Theodore Roosevelt wrote of Kings Mountain, "This brilliant victory marked the turning point of the American Revolution." Thomas Jefferson called it "The turn of the tide of success". SAR Compatriot President Herbert Hoover at the sesquicentennial commemoration at the site of the battle, said, "This small band of Patriots turned back a dangerous invasion well designed to separate and dismember the united Colonies. It was a little army and a little battle, but it was of mighty portent. History has done scant justice to its significance, which rightly should place it beside Lexington, Bunker Hill, Trenton, and Yorktown." {Hoover's full sesquicentennial address may be reached here: Speech.]

In 1931, the Congress of the United States created the Kings Mountain National Military Park at the site of the battle.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Britton, Carr, Gullion, Leviner, Richmond, Vaughn.

October 8^th, 2023, Sunday (2:00 pm) - Founding of the Fairfax Independent Company, Fairfax, VA
Event Level: State
Host/POC: Fairfax Resolves Chapter / Dave Cook.
Location: Fairfax City Veterans Amphitheater, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, VA..(or) Fairfax City Veterans Amphitheater, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Cook.
Details: The Fairfax Independent Company was an independent militia established by George Mason on September 21, 1774. When Virginia’s Royal Governor dissolved the House of Burgesses in May 1774, the assembly was denied the chance to renew the militia law, which had expired in late 1773. Mason convinced fellow gentlemen and freeholders in Fairfax County to adopt a resolution to "form ourselves into a Company, not exceeding one hundred Men, by the Name of The Fairfax Independent Company of Volunteers." Event registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJS2RMfJA3R3jDGCfFRQ8pfS7gi7Ch8iDJIwTlO6Lnp9Al2g/viewform?usp=sf_link
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Cook, Corey, Crain, Daniel.\, Weyler.

October 14, 2023, Saturday (11:00 am) - Centreville Day Parade, Centreville, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter/Virginia SAR, Ken Bonner, [email protected] 703-517-1715
Location: Rally point is in historic Centreville, at Wharton Lane and Mount Gilead Road, Centreville, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Bonner
Details: Muster at 10:15 am. VASSAR is supporting the Lane's Mill Chapter DAR. Central to VASSAR support is Compatriot Warner Workman's float, featuring Patriotic themes promoting American heritage and female Patriots. In addition to the parade, SAR participants and Color Guard are encouraged to support the DAR booth promoting DAR, SAR, and C.A.R. located in the public square.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Sink, Workman

October 14^th, 2023, Saturday (7:00 pm) - Honoring Kings Mountain Patriots, Abingdon, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: General William Campbell Chapter VASSAR / John Gullion.
Location: Sinking Spring Cemetery, Abingdon, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Guard Commander: TBA
Details: The cemetery was the original site of the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, established by 1773 as one of the first Presbyterian churches west of the Allegheny Mountains. Burials at the old churchyard date back to 1776 and include over 2,100 early leaders and settlers of Abingdon.
Virginia Color Guard Attendees:

October 14^th, 2023, Saturday (6:30 pm) - 15^th Army Air Force Bomb Groups Reunion, Herndon, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Fairfax Resolves Chapter VASSAR / Dave Cook.
Location: Rivanna Room D, E, F, G, Dulles Westin Airport Hotel 2520 Wesser Terrace, Herndon, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: BY INVITATION ONLY--all slots filled. Compatriot Ed Clendenin, a member of the Alexander Hamilton Chapter, Texas SAR, is the historian of his father’s WWII Army Air Corps Veterans group. Their veteran's group holds an annual reunion, along with a dozen other 15th Air Force veterans groups to honor their father’s memory. They requested VASSAR CG to present and post the colors prior to their annual banquet.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Cook, Corey, Crain.
Texas SAR Color Guard Attendee: Clendenin.

October 15th, 2023, Sunday (3:00 pm) – Joint Maryland / Virginia Grave Marking Ceremony for Robert Hanson Harrison, Nanjemoy, MD
Event Level: State
Host/POC: Thomas Stone Chapter MDSSAR / Fairfax Resolves Chapter VASSAR; Jeff Thomas.
Location: Christ Church Durham Parish, 8700 Ironsides Dr., Nanjemoy, MD.
Firing Event: Yes
Details: Harrison was the second longest serving Aide-de-Camp to General Washington and the first Maryland Supreme Court Chief Justice. Click here for the flyer: Harrison.
To Register: Email Jeff Thomas at [email protected] by October 8th with your Name, Chapter, Title, Wreath (yes/no), Color Guard (yes/no), and Musket (yes/no).
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Corey, Daniel, Phillips.

UPDATED (10/1/23): October 19^th, 2023, Thursday (9:15 am) – Wreath Laying at the tomb of Thomas Nelson Jr., Yorktown, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Thomas Nelson Jr Chapter VASSAR / Gary Hodges.
Location: Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown, VA.
Firing Event: No
National Color Guard Commander: Collins.
State Color Guard Commander: Melhuish.
Honor Guard Commander: Corey.
Details: On-line registration for this event is now open. (Note: just FYI, if you are in the area the day prior (October 18th) you may wish to check out the British and Canadian ceremonies at Yorktown. RSVP not required. Click here for information: Brit Flyer)
Layout and Color / Honor Guard movements may be reviewed by clicking this link: Thomas Nelson Playbook.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Adolphi, Bonner, Cook, Corey, Daniel, Davenport, Dunaway, Geisinger, Hamilton, Lynch, Melhuish, Osborn, Packett, Phillips, Schmidt, Thompson, Weyler.
Kentucky SAR Color Guard Attendees: Doss.
Missouri SAR Color Guard Attendees: McMillan.
Ohio SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonniwell, Beebe, Hill.

October 19^th, 2023, Thursday (10:30 am) – Battle of Yorktown Victory Parade, Yorktown, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Thomas Nelson Jr Chapter VASSAR / Gary Hodges.
Location: Yorktown, VA.
Firing Event: No
National Color Guard Commander: Collins.
State Color Guard Commander: Melhuish.
Honor Guard Commander: Corey.
Details: The Siege of Yorktown, also known as the Battle of Yorktown, the surrender at Yorktown, or the German Battle, ending on October 19, 1781, at Yorktown, Virginia, was a decisive victory by a combined force of the American Continental Army troops led by General George Washington and French Army troops led by the Comte de Rochambeau over a British army commanded by British peer and Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis. The culmination of the Yorktown campaign, the siege proved to be the last major land battle of the American Revolutionary War in the North American region, as the surrender by Cornwallis, and the capture of both him and his army, prompted the British government to negotiate an end to the conflict.
Parade formation may be viewed here (click on link): Yorktown SAR Formation
Yorktown Day invitation and RSVP form: Click here: Invitation and RSVP
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Adolphi, Bonner, Cook, Corey, Daniel, Davenport, Dunaway, Geisinger, Hamilton, Hodges, Lynch, McKinley, Melhuish, Osborn, Packett, Phillips, Schmidt, Thompson..
Kentucky SAR Color Guard Attendees: Doss.
Missouri SAR Color Guard Attendees: McMillan (drummer).
Ohio SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonniwell, Beebe, Hill.
French Military Color Guard Attendees:

UPDATED (9/27/23): October 21^st, 2023, Saturday (2:00 pm) - Culpeper Minutemen Muster, Culpeper, VA
Event Level: State
Host/POC: Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR / Charles Jameson at [email protected]
Location: Yowell Meadow Park, N Blue Ridge Ave, Culpeper, VA.
Firing Event: TBC
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: Head for the Gardner Street Entrance rather than the main parking area.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Corey, Weyler.

UPDATED (10/2/23): November 4^th, 2023, Saturday (2:00 pm) - Commemoration of the Skirmish at Kemps Landing, Virginia Beach, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Norfolk Chapter VASSAR / Patrick Hannum [email protected].
Location: Kempsville Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Thompson.
Details: This was the first fight in Virginia where the first Virginian blood was spilled during Revolutionary War. Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor of Virginia, sent about 120 British regulars of the 14th Regiment and elements of the newly formed Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment to Kemp's Landing to combat rebel (Patriot) militia activity in the area. [The Ethiopian Regiment consisted of escaped African American slaves who signed up to fight for the Crown in response to Dunmore's November 1775 Proclamation
granting freedom for military service.] On November 15th, 1775 the Princess Anne militia fired on the British advance guard. The ensuing engagement left 18 Patriots captured, including Col. Joseph Hutchings, 7 killed, including 2 who drowned crossing a creek. Only one British soldier suffered a minor wound. [Outdoors ceremony planned, however currently awaiting approval of the use of the Kempsville Emmanuel Episcopal Church as a fall back venue in the event of inclement weather.]
Virginia SR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish, Thompson.

November 5^th, 2023, Sunday (2:00 pm) - Grave Marking for Patriot Maj. Joseph Eggleston, Amelia Court House, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Richmond Chapter VASSAR / Philip Barnard, [email protected]
Location: Grub Hill Church Road, Amelia Court House, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBD
Details: This is a prominent grave of a soldier of the Revolution that has never been marked by SAR or DAR.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Corey, Dunaway, Lynch, Weyler.

INFORMATION: November 11^th, 2023, Saturday - Veterans Day Commemorations

Event Level: National
Host/POC: Various.
Location: Various. Specific details will be posted when known.
Details: Originally known as Armistice Day, in recognition of when the guns fell silent at the 11th hour of the 11th day, November 1918. This day continues to be celebrated in some other countries as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day. The US changed the name of the national holiday to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, at the urging of WWII and Korea Veterans.
Veterans Day honors the service of all US military Veterans who have served, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service to the nation. The official theme of Veterans Day 2023 will be announced later in the year.
Perhaps not widely known is how the red poppy became a symbol of this national holiday.
In November 1918, a young woman by the name of Moina Belle Michael -- a Daughter of the American Revolution -- was so moved by a Canadian war poet's work ("In Flanders Fields") that she wrote her own poem in response and bought 24 red silk poppies from Wanamaker's in NYC. At the time, she was on a sabbatical from the University of Georgia to help Veterans in New York. The American and British Legions adopted her promotion of the red poppy as a symbol to rally public support for caring for veterans. In 1924, General "Black Jack" Pershing wrote to Moina, “I wish to congratulate you on the splendid patriotic service you have rendered in conducting the sale of poppies on Armistice Day each year for the relief and benefit of war sufferers.”
And so, wearing the poppy on this day honors Veterans and keeps alive the memory of a young Georgia teacher who raised millions to support Veterans by selling poppies.

(TBC) November 11^th, 2023, Saturday (1:00 pm) - Wreath Laying at Geo. Washington's Tomb, Mt Vernon, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: George Washington Chapter VASSAR /
Location: Mount Vernon, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: Wreath-laying at Washington's Tomb on the Mount Vernon Estate. Joint ceremony with NSDAR.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

(TBC) November 11^th, 2023, Saturday (1:00 pm) - Veterans Day Commemoration, Middletown, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Col. James Wood II Chapter VASSAR /
Location: TBA.
Firing Event: Yes (provided by the local VFW chapter)
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: The event is a commemoration to honor veterans sponsored by Middletown. It is held at the Veterans Commemorative Park in Middletown. The SAR will serve as the color guard. The VFW will fire a rifle salute to honor veterans of all services.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

(TBC) November 11^th, 2023, Saturday (11:00 am) - Veterans Day Commemoration, Abingdon, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Abingdon Memorial Park Foundation and Gen. William Campbell Chapter VASSAR / John Gullion.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Abingdon, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: VASSAR Guardsmen will fire a volley at the ceremony.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Weyler.

(TBC) November 11^th, 2023, Saturday (10:00 am) - Veterans Day Commemoration, Williamsburg, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Williamsburg Chapter VASSAR & Colonial Williamsburg / John Lynch.
Location: Colonial Williamsburg, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Lynch.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Adolphi, Lynch.

(TBC) November 11^th, 2023, Saturday (11:00 am) - Veterans Day Commemoration, Winchester, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Col. James Wood II Chapter VASSAR / Dale Corey.
Location: National Cemetery, 401 National Ave., Winchester, VA,
Firing event: TBC
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: A commemoration to honor veterans, co-sponsored by the American Red Cross. The event is held at the National Cemetery in Winchester, Virginia. Muster time is 10:15 am with a start time of 11:00 am. The colors will be presented, and all U.S. services will be recognized.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

December 2^nd, 2023, Saturday (11:00 am) - 248^th Commemoration of the Battle of Great Bridge, Chesapeake, VA
Event Level: National
Co-Hosts/POCs: Norfolk Chapter VASSAR / Bob Bruce; Great Bridge Chapter VADAR / Lisa Davis.
Location: 1775 Historic Way, Chesapeake, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Melhuish.
Event Honor Guard Commander: TBA
Details: This event commemorates the Battle of Great Bridge, fought December 9, 1775, in Great Bridge, Virginia, early in the American Revolutionary War. The victory by colonial Virginia militia forces led to the departure of Royal Governor Lord Dunmore and any remaining vestiges of British power over the Colony of Virginia during the early days of the conflict. Following increasing political and military tensions in early 1775, Dunmore and colonial rebel leaders recruited troops and struggled for available military supplies. The struggle eventually focused on Norfolk, where Dunmore had taken refuge aboard a Royal Navy vessel. Dunmore's forces had fortified one side of a critical river crossing south of Norfolk at Great Bridge, while rebel forces had occupied the other. Dunmore ordered an attack across the bridge to break up the rebel gathering, which was decisively repulsed. Colonel William Woodford, the Virginia militia commander at the battle, described it as "a second Bunker's Hill affair". Shortly thereafter, Norfolk, at the time a Loyalist center, was abandoned by Dunmore and the Tories, who fled to navy ships in the harbor. Rebel-occupied Norfolk was destroyed on January 1, 1776, in an action begun by Dunmore and completed by rebel forces.
Note: Please refer to the event scheme of maneuver in the VASSAR Playbook.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Adolphi, Hamilton, Lynch, Melhuish, Thompson, Weyler.

(TBC) December 3^rd, 2023, Sunday (5:00 pm) - 55^th Abingdon Annual Christmas Parade, Abingdon, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: The Kiwanis Club of Abingdon organizes the parade. VASSAR POC / John Gullion.
Location: Abingdon, VA.
Firing event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: General William Campbell Chapter VASSAR and Blacks Fort Chapter NSDAR will participate in the parade. The 55th Annual Abingdon Christmas Parade is organized by the Kiwanis Club for the Town of Abingdon and sponsored by Bart Long & Associates Realty and Auction, LLC. Staging for the parade begins at 4:30 pm on Main Street between Hutton Street (Farris Funeral Home) and Tanner Street. Please enter the staging area on East Main Street near Hutton Street. Do not park on Main Street in front of Frost Funeral Home.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

December 3^rd, 2023, Sunday (5:00 pm) - Gold Star Family Gala, Virginia Beach, VA
Event Level: Public Service
Host/POC: Honor and Remember Organization / George Lutz, the founder and Gold Star father.
VASSAR POC: Thompson.
Location: The Founder's Inn, 5641 Indian River Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Hotel reservation: 833-449-1273
Firing event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Thompson.
Details: This will mark the eleventh year the VASSAR Color Guard has supported this annual public service event. It is held to honor and remember our fallen servicemen and women at the Gold Star Family Gala. Several hundred people typically attend this event. Only a small Color Guard is usually provided: two musket men and two flag bearers (US and the Honor & Remember flags). We would also like to add a VASSAR fife and drummer to the team this year.
The NSSAR President General's June 29, 2010, Resolution stated in part, "...be it resolved that the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution supports legislation to establish a unique national flag to honor and remember those who have given their lives in military service for our great nation, the United States of America...and it further resolved that the United States Congress is urged to adopt House of Representatives Bill 1034 to select the 'Honor and Remember Flag' which has been created by Honor and Remember, Incorporated, to serve as a national symbol."
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Melhuish, Thompson.

December 9^th, 2023, Saturday (7:30 am) - Culpeper Commemoration of Battle of Great Bridge, Culpeper, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR /
Location: Culpeper Minuteman Monument, Yowell Meadow Park, Culpeper, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Weyler.

NEW (09/22/23): December 16^th, 2023, Saturday (times: see flyer) - 250th Anniversary of the The Boston Tea Party, Boston, MA

Event Level: National -- 250th
Host/POC: Co-hosted by MASSAR.
Location: City of Boston, MA.
Firing Event: TBA
Event Color Guard Commander: Collins (NSSAR CG Cdr)
Details: On December 16, 2023, Boston will commemorate the 250^th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, a moment that forever changed the course of American history. On this day the collaborative efforts of multiple organizations will culminate in a grand-scale reenactment of the Boston Tea Party. A full evening of reenactments will play out in 4-parts across the City of Boston at several historic locations. Click here for Overview.

Click on the following link for event and hotel information: Flyer.

Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Osborn.

INFORMATION: December 16^th-17^th Wreaths Across America
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Various
Locations: Various
Firing Events: Yes

December 16^th, 2023, Saturday (11:00 am) - Wreaths Across America, Purcellville, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Col. James Wood II, Sgt Maj John Champe Chapters VASSAR, and Ketoctin Chapter VADAR.
Location: (1) Ketoctin Baptist Church, 16595 Ketoctin Church Road, Purcellville, VA.(2) North Fork Baptist Church, 38130 North Fork, Purcellville, VA. (3) North Hill Cemetery, Clarke County, VA.
Firing Events (3): Yes (at all three cemeteries)
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: Note: North Hill event may be held on December 15^th.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

UPDATED (9/28/23): December 16^th, 2023, Saturday (1:00 pm) - Wreaths Across America, Front Royal, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Col. James Wood II Chapter VASSAR and Boy Scout Troop #4
Location: Prospect Hill Cemetery, Prospect St, Front Royal, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

NEW (10/1//23): December 16^th, 2023, Saturday (6:00 pm) - Boston Tea Party 250th Commemoration, Fredericksburg, VA

Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Col. Fielding Lewis Chapter VASSAR / John Hamilton at [email protected]
Location: City Dock Park, 207 Sophia St., Fredericksburg, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: If you can't make Boston, instead come to Fredericksburg to celebrate one of the most famous tea-ditching events in our nation's history. This event will involve a short march to the Park Dock and observe tea leaves being dumped in the river.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Hamilton.