Lest We FORGET: A Pilgrimage to the Places Where Freedom Was Won

Historical reflection by James "Ros" Poplar.

Every year when my wife and I travel, whether by chance or by design, we seem to find ourselves standing on ground where Americans have fought and died as a down payment for our freedom. Past journeys have taken us to the Colmar Pocket where Audie Murphy earned the Medal of Honor, to Cologne, and to Yorktown — all battlefields where American blood was shed.

From the first shots at Bunker Hill to the ongoing conflict in Iran, more than one and a half million Americans have given their lives in service to our nation. To put that sacrifice into perspective, each of the fifty stars on the field of blue of our national flag represents roughly 27,000 fallen service members. Some volunteered, others were drafted, but I suspect none who raised their right hand imagined that their solemn oath would lead to a sudden and premature death.

Charles E. Driscoll, MD, the Surgeon General, Virginia SAR has published the following articles:

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Patriot Burials Honored with Virginia SARPomeroy Foundation Marker at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery

WYTHEVILLE, Va. — August 15, 2026—History came alive in Wytheville on August 15, 2026, as members of the Sons of the American Revolution gathered at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery to recognize the Revolutionary War Patriots whose final resting place is within this historic cemetery.

Charles E. Driscoll, MD, the Surgeon General, Virginia SAR has published the following articles:

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by Ros Poplar

On our nation’s 250th Birthday, I had the pleasure of watching the movie Young Washington which details the early life of our greatest Founding Father George Washington from boyhood, through the agony of defeat, to his maturation as a military leader. Against all odds he did the impossible – defeat the world’s most powerful army at the Battle of Yorktown - which gave rise to the United States of America.

He and our Founders  secured independence through a grueling Revolutionary War without the support of the Continental Congress who initially refused to support the Army due to petty jealousies and partisan politics. Even more remarkably, those same revolutionaries then designed and ratified a constitution grounded on limited government, individual rights, separation of powers, and popular sovereignty - a form of governance that had never before been successfully implemented on a national scale in human history. 

Virginia SAR Membership Growth Surges in First Half of 2026 as America 250 Celebrations Intensify

As President of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, I am proud to share that the first half of 2026 has produced exceptional membership activity across the Commonwealth. From January 1 through July 4, our chapters documented 189 Patriot ancestors, including 168 new member applications, 20 supplemental applications, and 1 memorial application — far exceeding the previous six‑month period. 

This surge reflects something deeper than numbers. It reflects Virginians embracing our shared role as Witnesses to History during the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. Across the Commonwealth, Independence Day 2026 was more meaningful, more colorful, and more impactful than any in recent memory. Our ceremonies, educational programs, and community commemorations demonstrated that the spirit of 1776 is alive and resonant in 2026.

Charles E. Driscoll, MD, the Surgeon General, Virginia SAR has published the following articles:

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by Ros Poplar (Fort Harrison Chapter SAR)

This July 4th will mark the 250th anniversary of  our great Republic - our “semi-quincentennial.” In the course of our history, America has endured internal civil strife, numerous foreign conflicts, and a horrific Civil War. However, in spite of these challenges, we remain a great nation that – though not without its flaws – serves as an inspiration to millions of oppressed worldwide.

Several of my ancestors, and perhaps yours, fought and died in the Revolutionary War. They left their comfortable homes and businesses  to risk it all, on the promise of a simple, forthright declaration: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Don’t Tread on Me

by Ros Poplar

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gadsden-flag 

Honoring Our Patriots Online: Find a Grave Adds Revolutionary War Indicator

In the lead‑up to America’s 250th anniversary, Find a Grave (https://www.findagrave.com) has introduced a new way for the public to recognize the men and women who contributed to the American Revolution. The platform now allows users to add a “1776 badge” (see example below on William Grayson’s page) to memorials of individuals who participated in the Revolutionary War—an initiative designed to help families, researchers, and heritage organizations highlight patriots across the nation. 

This new feature is part of Find a Grave’s broader “Honoring the Spirit of 1776” effort, which brings together memorials of notable Revolutionary figures and encourages community members to help identify and document patriots resting in cemeteries large and small. The badge can be added by suggesting an edit to any qualifying memorial, making it a community‑driven project that aligns naturally with the mission of the Sons of the American Revolution. 

Fort Harrison Chapter Presents SAR Silver ROTC Medal to JMU Cadet

The Fort Harrison Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution, presented the SAR Silver ROTC Medal to Cadet Michael Craig during a recent ceremony on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Cadet Craig, a member of the JMU “Duke Battalion,” (pictured below with Fort Harrison Chapter President Ros Poplar) will soon be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps. He was nominated for this honor by the Professor of Military Science in recognition of his exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and embodiment of the SAR ideal of the citizen‑soldier—a tradition inspired by the Minutemen of the American Revolution.

Commemoration of the Gunpowder Incident

TOANO, Va. — June 11, 2026—On May 4, 2026, as part of Virginia’s continuing march toward the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution hosted a solemn and well‑attended Commemoration of the Gunpowder Incident at Upper County Park in Toano.

The Gunpowder Incident of April 21, 1775 stands as one of the earliest and most consequential confrontations between royal authority and Virginia’s citizenry. When Governor Lord Dunmore ordered the removal of gunpowder from the Public Magazine in Williamsburg, Virginians viewed the act as a direct assault on their rights and security. The tension that followed made clear that reconciliation with the Crown was slipping out of reach, and that Virginians were prepared to defend their liberties.

Charles E. Driscoll, MD, the Surgeon General, Virginia SAR has published the following articles:

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A Commonwealth Remembers: Virginia SAR Honors Memorial Day 2026 Across the Nation and the Old Dominion

Memorial Day 2026 unfolded across Virginia and the nation with a sense of unity that felt both solemn and uplifting. From the broad avenues of Washington, D.C., to the quiet cemeteries and small‑town streets of the Commonwealth, compatriots of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution, came together to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States.

What emerged was a sweeping, statewide tribute—one that reflected not only remembrance, but the living legacy of the patriots who first secured America’s freedom.

On May 8th, the Fort Harrison Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented the SAR Bronze ROTC Medal to Cadet Dorian Jackson of the Harrisonburg High School “Blue Streak” Battalion. This award recognizes exceptional cadets in secondary school JROTC programs who embody the qualities of leadership, character, and service that defined the citizen‑soldiers of the American Revolution.

The Bronze ROTC Medal is one of the SAR’s most meaningful youth recognition awards. It honors cadets who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, strong military bearing, academic excellence, and a commitment to the principles of patriotism and civic responsibility. Its purpose is to encourage the same spirit of readiness and service exemplified by the Minutemen who stood at Lexington and Concord.

Charles E. Driscoll, MD, the Surgeon General, Virginia SAR has published the following articles:

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Charles E. Driscoll, MD, the Surgeon General, Virginia SAR has published the following articles:

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RICHMOND, Va., April 3, 2026 — The Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) announced an expanded statewide initiative to strengthen collaboration with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), reinforcing a long‑standing partnership rooted in shared heritage, patriotic service, and preparations for America’s 250th anniversary.

The initiative builds on national efforts led by the SAR DAR Liaison Committee and reflects Virginia’s commitment to welcoming DAR‑connected families into the SAR, recognizing the contributions of DAR members, and expanding joint programming across the Commonwealth. With one of the nation’s largest SAR memberships and a vibrant network of DAR chapters, Virginia is positioned to lead in advancing this partnership.

LEESBURG, Va., April 3, 2026 — Leesburg and Loudoun County officials on March 29 joined the Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter SAR, VFW Post 1177 of Leesburg, and American Legion Leonard W. Kidd Memorial Post 2001 of Ashburn to welcome home and honor Veterans of the Vietnam War. Virginia SAR President Darrin Schmidt attended, offered remarks, and presented the guest speaker with an SAR 250th Anniversary Challenge Coin.

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair‑at‑Large Phyllis Randall delivered remarks and reflected on the service of her father, a Vietnam Veteran who completed two tours. Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman and Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk also addressed the gathering.