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 critically review 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.  If in doubt, contact the VASSAR Insurance Advisor, Compatriot Richard Rankin.  As of December 2023, VASSAR has exchanged Certificates of Insurance (COI) with the following State SAR Societies: GA, KY, NC, NH, NJ, PA, SC, TN, and WVA.  It also holds COIs from the 1st and 7th VA Regiments (reenactors).  It should be noted that not every SAR State Society currently has liability insurance.

Heat Index: For outdoor summer events, an extra line has been added to the event schedule.  This is the predicted heat index (based on air temperature and humidity).  The National Weather Service has an online heat index calculator.  Heat indices below 80 F will be in black font; 80-89 F in amber font; and 90+ F in red font. Color Guardsmen should be mindful of any underlying medical conditions and age.  Please hydrate well in advance of the event if high heat index is predicted.  Avoid standing for prolonged periods in direct sun.  Consider wearing the cooler militia hunting smock, instead of the wool Regimental coat.

Color Guard Archives may be accessed at Archives by year

The 2024 schedule

Event Level: Chapter
Host/ POC: General William Campbell Chapter VASSAR/Kevin Combs  [email protected] (276) 698-1256.
Location: 222 Central Ave, Tazewell, VA.
Firing Event: No.
Event CG Commander: TBD.
Heat Index: N/A (indoors)
Details: This is a free appreciation luncheon to local veterans in a way to give thanks for their military service in light of America's 250th anniversary of independence. Certificates suitable for framing will be given out during this event as well. Posting and retiring of colors.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

August 9th - 10th, 2024, Friday-Saturday - Atlantic Middle States Association (AMSA) Williamsburg, VA
Event Level: District
Host/POC:  VASSAR Sub Committee / Bill Greaf; Ken Hawkins.
Location:  Williamsburg Lodge, 310 South England St., Williamsburg, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: Agenda TBA.  Hotel registration:  hotel registration is now available for the Williamsburg Lodge. The single and double occupancy base rate per room is $199.00 plus taxes and parking. The rate is protected between August 6th -15th if you choose to extend your stay and visit the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Yorktown, and the Williamsburg areas. Conference registration will be forthcoming, but in the meantime, we encourage you to secure your hotel reservations before the guaranteed rate is exhausted. The block is under the name of Virginia Society, Sons of American Revolution. We are looking forward to providing you with an exciting agenda to meet our business, historic, and social engagements. Compatriots and guests can book their hotel rooms online at this web address: https://book.passkey.com/e/50775027.    Click here for conference details: Agenda.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Lynch, Osborn.

August 11th, 2024, Sunday (3:00 pm) – Color Guard Support for the Norfolk Tides Baseball Game, Norfolk, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Norfolk Chapter VASSAR / John Hall at [email protected] 757-748-6026.
Location: Harbor Park, 150 Park Ave., Norfolk, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Heat Index:
Details: Same as last year's Norfolk Tides event. We present the Colors before the game.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

Note: A reception will be held on Friday, August 16 and a Patriot Grave Marking will be held in Lexington on Sunday, August 18.  Click here for the flyer: Blue Licks.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

August 17th, 2024, Saturday (noon) – Opening Ceremony of the Nansemond Indian Nation Annual Pow Wow, Suffolk, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Nansemond Indian Patriot Chapter VASSAR / Tom Badamo.
Location: 1001 Pembroke Lane, Suffolk, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Heat Index:
Details: Color guard participation may be limited to manning a tent.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Badamo, Melhuish, Osborn.

August 24th, 2024, Saturday (10:00 am ) - Patriot Monument Dedication to George Flohr, Royal Deux Ponts Regt., Wytheville, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Lt. David Cox Chapter VASSAR / Rollie Ney at [email protected]. Alternate Bruce Meyer at [email protected].
Location: St. John's Cemetery1650 N 4th St., Wytheville, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Gullion
Heat Index:
Details: On August 24th, 2024, Lt. David Cox Chapter, VASSAR,  will dedicate a granite stone engraved with a description of Private George Daniel Flohr’s service in the American Revolution with the Royal Deux Ponts Regiment (French Army). SAR member, author, and German scholar Robert A. Selig will be the keynote speaker.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:  Corey, Gullion, Kelly, Osborn, B. Schwetke, Schwoerer.

Event Level: National
Host/POC: ESSSAR / Robert Meyer, [email protected]
Location:  The Old Stone House, 3rd St. and 5th Ave., Brooklyn, NY.
Firing Event: No
Heat Index:
Details:  The Battle of Brooklyn (also called the Battle of Long Island) was fought on August 27, 1776 and is considered one of America’s greatest losses during our war for independence. The carnage all happened one summer night: The British, who had amassed a large number of troops on Staten Island, stealthily attacked George Washington and his Continental Army at their camp in Brooklyn. Washington was greatly outnumbered and realized the only way to save his army was to flee to Manhattan. While the rest of the troops escaped Brooklyn Heights across the river, Washington sent 400 troops from Baltimore, known as the Maryland 400, on a suicide mission: to distract the British and buy the rest of the troops time. The battle was fought near the present-day site of the Old Stone House. (The one standing in Park Slope today is a 1933 re-creation of the original.)
A large number of the 1st Maryland Regiment were killed, but their sacrifice enabled the Continental Army to escape.  

Details on MDSSAR bus trip up to NYC may be obtained here: Flyer.  Online booking may be accessed here: Bus trip.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:  Bonner.

September 7th, 2024, Saturday (11:00 am) – Commemoration of the Battle of the Capes, Virginia Beach, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC:  Norfolk Chapter VASSAR / John Hall.
Location:  Vice Admiral Francois Joseph Paul de Grasse Statue, Fort Story, Virginia Beach, VA. (Enter via Gate 8.)
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Thompson.
Heat Index:
Details: The Battle of the Chesapeake, also known as the Battle of the Virginia Capes or simply the Battle of the Capes, was a crucial naval battle in the American Revolutionary War that took place near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on September 5, 1781. The combatants were a British fleet led by Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Graves and a French fleet led by Rear Admiral Francois Joseph Paul, the Comte de Grasse. The battle strategically prevented the Royal Navy from reinforcing or evacuating the besieged forces of Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. The French achieved control of the sea lanes against the British and provided the Franco-American army with siege artillery and French reinforcements. These proved decisive in the Siege of Yorktown, effectively securing independence for the Thirteen Colonies. (Note: this event was approved to become a National Level Event by NSSAR leadership on March 3rd, 2024.)  In 2022 the head of the French Navy designated this battle as only one of two Navy-wide commemorative events celebrated by the French Navy globally. Rear-Admiral de Rupilly, French Navy, will be the guest speaker.

Important note: This ceremony is held on a military base, and therefore a military or government ID is required for access. If attendees do not have access to the base, they must complete the base access form (clickable link above).  The SECNAV Form 5512/1 is used to request Base Access for Guests over the age of 17 y/o.  We require the Guest’s Date of Birth and FULL SSN for the vetting process. The guest must ensure to initial blocks 28 and 29 and to date/sign block 30.   Please have the forms at least two weeks in advance (August 23, 2024) to ensure proper vetting is complete prior to the event.  Once vetting has been completed, an Access List will be placed at Fort Story's Gate 8 the day of your event.  Guests will be required to provide a state-issued picture ID for verification with the access list when they enter the DoD installation.
*****Please return the completed SECNAV form to [email protected] for further processing with the Base.
DO NOT BRING FIRELOCKS OR SWORDS TO THE EVENT.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Corey, Dunaway, Lynch, Osborn, Schwoerer, Thomas, Thompson.
French Navy Color Guard Attendee: TBA.

September 11th, 2024, Wednesday – Commemoration of the 9/11 Attack on America, Culpeper, VA
Event Level: National (Massing of the Colors)
Host/POC: Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR / Bill Schwetke.
Location: Fire Station, 1121 North Main St, Culpeper, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: B.Schwetke.
Heat Index:
Details: No wreaths - No musket firing - just four presentations of the Colors.
We would like individual color guards of four to five compatriots (we can mix chapters), with two or three flags made up of US and one or both of Virginia & Chapter Flags, flanked by two compatriots with weapons.  We will not fire the firelocks.  We expect to be joined by, at a minimum, the American Legion, VFW, Culpeper Fire Department, Culpeper Sheriff's Dept, Culpeper Police Dept, and the Virginia Defense Force Mounted Color Guard.
Monday, 11 Sep, Color Guard first musters at 8:15 am, in front of the Culpeper Volunteer Fire Department,  153 West Davis Street, Culpeper, VA, then sequences through the following schedule, starting promptly at the listed time, which you may join or leave at any point (click here for graphics: map):
08:46 - Fire Department
09:03 - On the Courthouse Green (across from the Fire Department)
09:37 - Wine Street Military Memorial
10:03 - Intersection of Davis and Main
 (The times are the impact times of the four planes on 9-11-2001.)
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Corey, B.Schwetke, Schwoerer .

September 13th, 2024, Friday (10:00 am) - Grave marking for LtCol William Langborn, Aide de Camp to Marquis de Lafayette, New Kent, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Williamsburg Chapter VASSAR / Gary Dunaway at [email protected] (757) 303-3673.
Location: 8400 St Peter's Lane, New Kent, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event CG Commander: Dunaway.
Heat Index:
Details: Grave marking for LtCol William Langborn. He served in the 6th Virginia Regiment and as Aide de Camp to Marquis de Lafayette. The Bicentennial of Lafayette's ceremonial tour of America starts this August, so the stars are aligned for this moment to honor Patriot Langborn. This ceremony will precede the VASSAR Semi-Annual Conference to be held in Williamsburg starting that afternoon. It should be convenient for our northern and western compatriots to attend on their way to the conference.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Corey, Dunaway, Lynch, Melhuish, Schwoerer .

September 13th-14th, 2024, Friday-Saturday – VASSAR Semi-Annual Meeting, Williamsburg, VA
Event Level: State
Host/POC: Williamsburg Chapter VASSAR / TBA.
Location: Woodlands Hotel and Conference Center, Williamsburg, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Osborn.
Details: Agenda TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, Corey, Dunaway, Osborn, Lynch, Melhuish, Schwoerer.

INFORMATION:  September 15th, 2023, Friday - National POW / MIA Day
Event Level: Chapter

The POW / MIA flag should generally not be carried in a parade or by a Color Guard (except by an honor guard member carrying it as a Personal Color at a military funeral).  Follow the background here: thedrillmaster.org/2019/01/15/all-about-the-pow-mia-flag-protocol/   
One comment from the Drillmaster: "The POW / MIA flag is always posted alone before the ceremony without any ceremony for its posting. It is helpful if it is posted near the missing man table... Posting it near the table, which is off on its own, creates a special place for both as a whole."

TBC: September 14th, 2024, Saturday (8:00 am) - Vigil at Washington's Tomb, Mount Vernon, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: NSSAR Color Guard / Scott Collins.
Location: George Washington's Mount Vernon, Alexandria, VA.
Firing Event: No
National Color Guard Commander: Collins.
Heat Index:
Details: The National Color Guard staff cordially invites you to honor our patriot commander. We will meet at the Administration (Ann Pamela Cunningham) Building at 8:00 AM. The March to the Tomb begins at 8:30 a.m. sharp. The first guard rotation will start at 9:00 AM and change every 15 minutes. The March from the Tomb back to the Mansion will start at 4:00 PM. Please join us to stand guard for one or more shifts. We also welcome participation in one or both marches as your schedule allows. A few Muskets / Rifles will be available for you to use while standing guard.
As we have done in the past several years, the signup will be done electronically using the following link: Vigil Registration.
Note:  the annual Colonial Fair & Market will be held over the weekend. 
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

TBC: September 15th, 2024, Sunday (TBA) - President General's Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC:  Pending a request for Color Guard Support from George Washington Chapter VASSAR / TBA.
Location:  Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery, VA.
Firing Event:  No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Heat Index:
Details: TBA. Pending sponsor chapter request for Color Guard support. This is usually just an escort with the President General for wreath laying.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:  Bonner.

September 15th, 2024, Sunday (2:00 pm) - Wreath Laying at the grave of Pvt. John Broddy, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC:  General William Campbell Chapter VASSAR / John Gullion.
Location:  GPS 36.894634, -81.756998.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Gullion.
Heat Index:
Details: Since 2012, the General William Campbell Chapter-VASSAR, Black’s Fort Chapter, Virginia Society, DAR, and the Overmountain Victory Trail Association (OVTA) have honored PVT John Broddy, Brig. Gen. Campbell’s manservant and a patriot in the fight for independence at 2 pm on Sunday before Sept 24th. The African-American Broddy cemetery is located on land left to Broddy from Campbell’s estate. The cemetery was not known publicly until its rediscovery in 2012.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC:  General William Campbell Chapter VASSAR / John Gullion.
Location: 303 Seven Mile Ford Rd, Marion, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Heat Index:
Details: Since 2012, the General William Campbell Chapter-VASSAR, Black’s Fort Chapter, Virginia Society, DAR, and the Overmountain Victory Trail Association (OVTA) have honored Brig. Gen. Campbell. At 4 pm, the groups will convene at Aspinvale Cemetery, the final resting place of Brig. Gen. Campbell.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

September 17th, 2024, Tuesday (10:30 am) - Constitution Day Commemoration, Winchester, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Col. James Wood II Chapter VASSAR / Dale Corey.
Location: Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Heat Index:
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

September 19th, 2024, Thursday ( 4:00 pm )  -  Franco-American Alliance Commemoration, Annapolis, MD
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: US Naval Academy; John Paul Jones Chapter MDSSAR (Glenn Moss at [email protected]); Peggy Stewart Tea Party Chapter NSDAR.
Location: Worden Field, US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.
Firing event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: Glenn Moss
Details: A wreath-laying event at Worden Field, US Naval Academy.  In 1781 on this very site of Worden Field and surrounding area, Rochambeau’s French Army encamped from September 18-21. On the morning of September 21st the French Army boarded 15 ships bound for Virginia to join Washington’s force in the siege of Yorktown. This event is to celebrate our alliance with the French and their support in the founding of our nation. The event has been celebrated in the past with Color Guards from Maryland SAR, the US Navy, the USNA and JROTC. Click here for the draft program: Program. There will be a reception in the Academy Officers club following the ceremony.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:  Christensen, McComb.

September 22nd, 2024, Sunday (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) - Abington Muster Commemoration, Abingdon, VA
Event Level: State
Host:  Overmountain Victory Trail Association (OVTA), with support from VASSAR.
VASSAR POC: Gen. William Campbell Chapter VASSAR / John Gullion
Location: 1780 Muster Place, Abingdon, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Gullion.
Heat Index:
Details: This event, organized by the OVTA, is supported by VASSAR.  OVTA, SAR, and DAR will present a public education day on life in the colonial backcountry. The event will include stations where visitors learn about various topics, from salt making and cooking to land surveying and combat. A ceremony for the Abingdon Muster will occur at 1:30 that afternoon, honoring the 400 Virginians who participated in the Overmountain Campaign and those who lost their lives at the battle.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

September 22nd, 2024, Sunday (1:00 pm) – Commemoration of Robert Carter III, Heathsville, VA
Event Level: State
Host/POC: James Monroe Chapter VASSAR / Jim Russell at [email protected] (703) 626-2232
Location:  220 Judicial Place, Heathsville, VA.
Firing Event: TBD
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: Robert Carter was a notable18th century emancipator, freeing 436 enslaved people, a step that enraged his family and many of his fellow planters. His unwavering conviction held that slavery was incompatible with Christianity. At this time, Charles Belfield will appear as Robert Carter and Tom Davenport will represent the enslaved descendants. We will also have representative  chapters.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Corey.

September 28th, 2024, Saturday  11:00am – Commemoration of John Champe’s assignment to Capture Benedict Arnold, Fairmont, WV
Event Level: Chapter
Host Chapter: Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter/Barry Schwoerer ([email protected])
Location: Champe Grave Site, Cemetery adjacent to Prickett’s Fort Historic Site, 88 State Park Road, Fairmont, WV.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: Sink
Details: Sgt Maj John Champe was nominated by Light Horse Harry Lee to execute a daring mission to capture the traitor Benedict Arnold and return him to the American side for Court Martial.  George Washington accepted Champe’s nomination.  The commemoration will take place at John Champe’s headstone in the cemetery adjacent to the reconstructed Fort.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Bonner, B. Parrish, Schwoerer, Sink.

September 28th, 2024, Saturday (Time: TBA) – Culpeper Minutemen Chapter 50th Anniversary Celebration
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR / Bill Schwetke at [email protected].  540.270.2722
Location: TBA
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: Since its founding fifty years ago the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter has spun off two other chapters that were formed wholly from the Culpeper Minutemen, Col. William Grayson and Col. James Wood II. The Culpeper Minutemen were also instrumental in reestablishing the Col. Fielding Lewis Chapter. All are invited to join us and celebrate the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter's half-century of service to the Virginia SAR, the SAR, and our nation.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Lynch.

October 1st, 2023, Sunday (2:00 pm) – Commemoration of the founding of the Fairfax Independent Company, Fairfax, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC:  Fairfax Resolves Chapter / Dave Cook.
Location:  (TBC) National Museum of the US Army, 1775 Liberty Dr., Fort Belvoir, VA.
(or) Fairfax City Veterans Amphitheater, 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, VA.
(or) Outside Historic Fairfax Courthouse, 4000 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

October 3rd, 2024, Thursday (10:00 am) – Battle of the Hook Commemoration, Hayes, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Thomas Nelson & Williamsburg Chapters, VASSAR / Gary Dunaway at [email protected] (757-303-3673).
Location: Abingdon Park, 7087 Powhatan Dr., Hayes, VA.
Firing Event: TBD
Event Color Guard Commander:
Details: The largest cavalry action during the Revolutionary War was when the Duc de Lauzan's Legion and LtCol Mercer's Select Battalion of Militia forces defeated British LtCol Tarleton's British Legion and Royal Welsh Fusiliers. More detailed information: https://w3r-us.org/new-battle-of-the-hook-waysides-unveiled-in-gloucester-virginia/
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Lynch.

TBC: October 5th, 2024, Saturday – Commemoration 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:  Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: The Commemoration of the 244th Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain will have a 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:

October 12th, 2024, Saturday (7:00 pm) - Honoring Kings Mountain Patriots, Abingdon, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC:  General William Campbell Chapter VASSAR / TBA.
Location:  Sinking Spring Cemetery, Abingdon, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

 INFORMATION: October 13th, 2024, Sunday – 249th Anniversary of the US Navy
Event Level: Not a National Event for Color Guard medal purposes.

A 13 October 1775 resolution of the Continental Congress established what is now the United States Navy with “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months….” After the American War of Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy on 30 April 1798.
 In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized official recognition of 13 October as the birthday of the U.S. Navy. Since then, each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.”

NEW (7/1/2024): October 17th, 2024, Thursday, (10:30 am and 1:30 pm), Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, Mount Vernon, VA
Event Level: Chapter.
Host/POC: American Friends of Lafayette, Mount Vernon Ladies Association, [SAR POC George Washington Chapter, VASSAR], Edgar Bates, [email protected], (703) 772-6178.
Location: Mount Vernon (Old Tomb) 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121.
Firing Event: No
Event CG Commander: TBD
Heat Index:
Details: This event is part of a continuum of Lafayette 200th Anniversary events, co-hosted with the American Friends of Lafayette and Mt. Vernon. This will be a reenactment of Lafayette's visit to Mt Vernon in 1824. Much of what was said has been transcribed verbatim will enhance the reenactment. The event will occur at the Old Tomb where space is limited especially with the number of planned participants, therefore only two-Color Guard are requested for both morning and afternoon events. AFL has reserved a room at the Mt Vernon Inn for both breakfast and lunch to which Color Guard are invited. The Color Guard has been requested to honor this event by posting the colors and will likely stand as sentinels near the tomb during the reenactment.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: McComb.

Details:  This event kicks off Yorktown Day festivities in conjunction with American Friends of Lafayette, Yorktown Day Association, American Revolution Museum Yorktown, National Park Service. Marquis de Lafayette (portrayed by Mark Schneider) will arrive at the dock from the schooner Luna at 3:30. The American Revolution Museum Yorktown will fire artillery and our Color Guard will offer a musket salute. This ceremony precedes the Yorktown Day dinner at the American Revolution Museum Yorktown that evening.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Dunaway, Schwoerer.

October 19th, 2024, Saturday (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
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Honor Guard Commander: TBA.
Details:  Muster no later than 8:15 due to complex lay-out.  Event Playbook link here: Thomas Nelson Playbook
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Dunaway, Lynch, Melhuish.

Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Dunaway, Hodges, Lynch, Melhuish, Osborn, Schwoerer.

October 21st, 2023, Saturday (11:00 am) - Culpeper Minutemen Muster, Culpeper, VA
Event Level: State
Host/POC: Culpeper Minutemen Chapter VASSAR / TBA.
Location: Yowell Meadow Park, N Blue Ridge Ave, Culpeper, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: Head for the Gardner Street Entrance, rather than the main parking area.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

October 27th, 2024, Sunday (2:00 pm) – Bolling / Lafayette Historic Marker Dedication, North Chesterfield, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Richmond Chapter VASSAR / Chris Yong at [email protected] (248) 703-1755
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details: This is the marker text: "SUSANNA BOLLING WAS 16 WHEN BRITISH GENERAL CORNWALLIS QUARTERED IN HER CITY POINT/ HOPEWELL, VA HOME. SHE OVERHEARD HIM PLOTTING TO CAPTURE CONTINENTAL ARMY GENERAL LAFAYETTE, WHO HEADQUARTERED HERE AT THE HALFWAY HOUSE. SUSANNA SNUCK OUT OF HER HOME, CROSSED THE APPOMATTOX RIVER, AND RODE ALMOST 15 MILES THROUGH THE NIGHT TO WARN LAFAYETTE, WHO ESCAPED. SUSANNA’S HEROISM ALLOWED LAFAYETTE TO CONTINUE LEADING THE VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN, WHICH ENDED WITH CORNWALLIS IN YORKTOWN AND SET THE STAGE FOR THE DECISIVE AMERICAN VICTORY."   The event date also marks the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's visit to Richmond on his return tour to the U.S. The American Friends of Lafayette will be invited to present a wreath.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Lynch.

TBC: November 2nd, 2024, Saturday (TBD) – Veterans Parade, Brunswick, MD
Event Level: Chapter
Host Chapter: Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter/Barry Schwoerer ([email protected])
Location: Downtown Brunswick, MD.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBD
Details: The Brunswick Veterans parade is one of the largest and oldest Veterans parades in the Washington DC metro area.   The parade float offered to the SMJC Chapter will be entered.  The float can hold 4-6 riders.  Contact the Chapter if you wish to ride.  Marchers also welcome.  Most SAR participants wear Colonial attire, Militia or Regimental uniform.  DAR and CAR are welcome to participate.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:  Bonner, B.Schwoerer, Sink, Workman.

November 2nd, 2024, Saturday (11:00 am) - Commemoration of the Skirmish at Kemps Landing, Virginia Beach, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Norfolk Chapter VASSAR / TBA.
Location: Kempsville Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 5181 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach, VA.
Firing Event: No
Preferred Uniform: Militia
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: This was the first fight in Virginia where the first Virginian blood was spilled during the 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 fallback venue in the event of inclement weather.]
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Lynch, Melhuish.

 INFORMATION: November 10th, 2024, Sunday – 249th Anniversary of the US Marine Corps
Event Level: Not a National Event for Color Guard medal purposes.

On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution established the Continental Marines and marked the birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea, these first Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in March 1776 under the command of Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas. The first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines, Nicholas remained the senior Marine officer throughout the American Revolution and is considered to be the first Marine Commandant. The Treaty of Paris in April 1783 brought an end to the Revolutionary War, and as the last of the Navy's ships were sold, the Continental Navy and Marines went out of existence.
Following the Revolutionary War and the formal re-establishment of the Marine Corps on 11 July 1798, Marines saw action in the quasi-war with France, landed in Santo Domingo, and took part in many operations against the Barbary pirates along the "Shores of Tripoli".

INFORMATION: November 11th, 2023, Saturday - Veterans Day Commemorations
Event Level: National

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 Korean 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 2024 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 DAR Georgia teacher who raised millions to support Veterans by selling poppies.  

November 11th, 2024, Monday (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: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

November 11th, 2024, Monday (11:00 am) – Veterans Day Commemoration, Culpeper, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Culpeper Minute Men Chapter VASSAR / Charles Jameson.
Location: Culpeper National Cemetery, 305 US Ave., Culpeper, VA.
Firing Event: Yes (American Legion will fire)
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

November 11th, 2024, Monday (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:
Details:
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Dunaway.

November 11th, 2024, Monday (11:00 am) - Veterans Day Commemoration, Winchester, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC: Col. James Wood II Chapter VASSAR /
Location: National Cemetery, 401 National Ave., Winchester, VA,
Firing event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

November 11th, 2024, Monday (TBA) - Wreath Laying at Geo. Washington's Tomb, Mt. Vernon, VA
Event Level: National
Host/POC:  George Washington Chapter VASSAR / TBA.
Location:  Mount Vernon, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

November 11th, 2024, Monday (1:00 pm) - Veterans Day Commemoration, Middletown, VA
Event Level:  National
Host/POC:  Col. James Wood II Chapter VASSAR / TBA.
Location:  TBA.
Firing Event: Yes (provided by the local VFW chapter)
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

November 23rd, 2024, Saturday (10:00 am) – Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration, Fredericksburg, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host/POC: Col. Fielding Lewis Chapter VASSAR / John Hamilton.
Location: Market Square 909 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA.  
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA
Details:  Color Guard muster no later than 09:15 am.  The city has requested SAR Color Guard support to provide a presentation of colors with the Mayor and salute/escort of General Lafayette and President Monroe as they step off the carriage and walk into Market Square for the opening ceremony. This civic event will reenact the arrival of Lafayette and Monroe in the city during Lafayette's 1824 tour of the United States and is the kickoff of a two-day celebration in Fredericksburg, including balls, lectures, and tours/open houses around the city. Gen. Lafayette and Pres. Monroe will be portrayed by actors coming from Williamsburg. Gen Lafayette and Pres. Monroe will arrive by carriage to Market Square where he will be greeted by local officials (Lafayette and the Mayor reciting the same speeches they made in 1824) and area residents, some in period clothing, and local JROTC cadets. ' Historically, veterans of the Revolutionary War and local militia provided the same during the 1824 visit, according to written accounts provided by the great-great-grandfather of the former Mayor of Fredericksburg, who is the honorary chair of the Committee.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Hamilton.

December 7th, 2024, Saturday (11:00 am) - Commemoration of the Battle of Great Bridge, Chesapeake, VA
Event Level: National
Hosts/POCs:  Great Bridge Chapter VASSAR / Don Fergusson; VADAR Great Bridge Chapter / Lisa Davis.
Location: 1775 Historic Way, Chesapeake, VA.
Firing Event: Yes
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: TBA.  Click here for the Playbook: Great Bridge Playbook
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees: Dunaway, Lynch, Melhuish.

December 7th, 2024, Saturday (TBD) – Leesburg Holiday Parade, Leesburg, VA
Event Level: Chapter
Host Chapter: Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter/Barry Schwoerer ([email protected])
Location: Parade goes down King Street from Lee Park, to  Fairfax Street, Leesburg, VA.
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: NA
Details: The parade float offered to the SMJC will be entered.  The float can accommodate 4-6 riders.   DAR and CAR typically join the chapter.  Other SAR Chapters invited and encouraged to join us.  Colonial attire, militia or Regimental uniforms preferred. Parade length approximately 1 mile.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:  Schwoerer, Sink, Bonner, Workman.

December 8th, 2024, Sunday (5:00 pm) - 56th 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: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

December 8th, 2024, Sunday (5:00 pm) –  Support to the 14th Annual Gold Star Family Gala, Chesapeake, VA
Event Level: Public Service
Host/POC:  Honor and Remember Organization / George Lutz, the founder and Gold Star father.
VASSAR POC: Thompson.
Location:  Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Dr., Chesapeake, VA. (Change from previous years.)
Firing Event: No
Event Color Guard Commander: TBA.
Details: Please note the change of venue.  This will mark the twelfth 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:

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

INFORMATION: December 16th-17th Wreaths Across America
Event Level: National

In 2022, Wreaths Across America (WAA) and its national network of volunteers placed more than 2.7 million sponsored veterans' wreaths on headstones of our nation's service members at 3,702 participating locations. This was accomplished with the support of more than 5,000 sponsorship groups, corporation contributions, and in-kind donations from the transportation industry across the country.  The wreath-laying that began more than 30 years ago is still held annually on the second or third Saturday of December. WAA's annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery has become known as “the world’s largest veterans’ parade." Every year the convoy of trucks, local law enforcement, staff, and supporters stop at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities along the way to talk about the Wreaths Across America mission and remind people how important it is to remember, honor and teach.

December 14th, 2024, 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.
Locations: (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: TBA.
Virginia SAR Color Guard Attendees:

December 15th, 2024, Sunday (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: