On a sunlit morning worthy of the occasion, over one hundred compatriots, allied guests and family members gathered on the historic grounds of Mount Vernon for the 64th Annual Independence Day March to General George Washington’s Tomb. The event commemorated the 249th anniversary of American Independence, a solemn moment etched in remembrance and reverence for the spirit of 1776.

Leading the contingent across the Bowling Green to the Tomb Grove was the majestic procession of the Virginia SAR Color Guard. Clad in regimental Continental uniforms and vivid militia regalia, the Virginia SAR Color Guard and Maryland SAR Color Guard—joined by the Virginia DAR Honor Guard and Virginia C.A.R. Honor Guard—brought history to life with each measured step. Their presence embodied the legacy of citizen-soldiers who once bore the nation's earliest burdens. Virginia SAR compatriots from Col. Fielding Lewis Chapter, Col. James Wood II Chapter, Col. William Grayson Chapter, Culpeper Minutemen Chapter, Fairfax Resolves Chapter, George Mason Chapter, Norfolk Chapter, Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter, and Williamsburg Chapter, along with John Paul Jones Chapter Maryland SAR were present for the festivities hosted by the George Washington Chapter, Virginia SAR.

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

Medical Tips - Do You Snore Loudly When You Sleep and Still Feel Tired in the Morning?

Surgeon General's War Report: Surgeon General’s War Report to Virginia’s Army Surgeons, 1775

One of my favorite hymns was Julia Ward Howe’s "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Like our national anthem this song brings a chill to my spine every time I hear it. I can only imagine my Great-Great Grandfather Private William H. Baldwin who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Cold Harbor marching to it in his quest to free those in bondage. He was just a simple and poor Chesapeake Bay waterman but voluntarily answered the call to serve and paid dearly with his life leaving behind a family.

Howe's lyrics inspired Americans to action at one of the most critical times in our history when the nation was torn asunder and our fragile experiment in Democracy could have easily ended. My mind can still see the imagery of soldiers marching to their death in the name of Christ to unify the nation and eliminate the scourge of slavery:

Alexandria and Wytheville, VA — The Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR) is proud to announce the award of two new grants from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation in support of its ongoing Patriot Burials® marker program. These grants will fund the creation and installation of historical markers at two cemeteries in Virginia where Revolutionary War Patriots are laid to rest.

The newly awarded markers are:

See full story at https://www.virginiasar.org/army250

20 Jun 2025 Update: 
In support of Compatriot / C.A.R. applications for the Patriot Grave Marking Medal, I have submitted an approved SAR Patriot Grave & Biographies Report for:

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

Medical Tips - Remember Linus Pauling in the 1970’s?

Surgeon General's War Report:  Surgeon General’s Report to Virginia’s Surgeons June 1783

Sergeant Major John Champe Chapter SAR member Warner Workman’s float joined the SAR team in the National Memorial Day parade in Washington DC. The SAR team included National SAR officers and multiple Virginia SAR representatives.

 In addition to Compatriot Workman, SMJC participants included past president Ken Bonner and chapter Historian David Welker. Bonner and Welker were joined by their wives, Anita Bonner, and Margaret Welker, both from the Lanes Mill Chapter DAR.

WILLIAMSBURG, VA, (May 27, 2025) — On 3 May 2025, the Williamsburg Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation conducted a ceremony to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Virginia’s first military response to the Royal Governor’s taking of gunpowder stored in Williamsburg’s powder magazine. Governor John Murray, Earl of Dunmore falsely claimed it was for Virginia’s protection. During the night of 20–21 April 1775, British Marines landed at Burwell’s Landing on the James River and marched to Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capitol. They had been ordered by Governor Dunmore to remove the gunpowder stored in Williamsburg’s powder magazine. The Marines were spotted and an alarm raised. As a result, they returned to their ships without completely emptying the magazine.

Public discontent increased throughout the colony fomenting unrest, with militia companies mustering to force return of the gunpowder. Patrick Henry learned of the event and issued a call to arms. On 2 May 1775, 160 mounted militiamen from Hanover County under Henry’s command began their ride to Williamsburg to either recover the powder or be paid for it. On 3 May, they stopped at Doncastle’s Ordinary near Toano in James City County. It was here Carter Braxton convinced Henry to halt his march. Braxton, the son-in-law of Virginia’s Receiver General, Richard Corbin rode into Williamsburg to negotiate the settlement of the incident. He returned to Henry with a payment of 330 pounds to pay for the gunpowder that was taken from the armory. The Hanover militia returned to their homes and Henry journeyed to Philadelphia to participate in the Second Continental Congress. Dunmore feared for his safety and on 8 June, he and his family left in the middle of the night to take up residence aboard the British ship HMS Fowey. This incident led to the Virginia Colony’s government being taken over by a Committee of Safety and Patrick Henry becoming the independent state’s first governor in July 1776.

For many Memorial Day signals the onset of Summer with all the pleasantries that go along with it – vacations, barbeques, and family outings. But for those that this day of reflection honors unfortunately they are no longer with us to share in the joys of life because they sacrificed their life (many in the prime of life) as a downpayment for the freedom we as American enjoy today. From the founding of our great nation both men and women have willingly laid down their lives for the cause of freedom in such diverse places as Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Khe San, and Fallujah to name a few.

Some willingly volunteered for service and others may have been drafted but all shared a common bond of brotherhood that is only forged in armed conflict. As those that have been there will tell you when the bullets start flying you forget about the lofty rhetoric echoed by armchair politicians and rather fight for you and your brother/sister in arms very survival. Armed conflict unfortunately often reduces mankind and those who fight on the front lines to a baseless level where day-to-day survival motivates those who are in harm’s way. Americans have consistently sent their men and women servicemen to the four corners of the globe where they were viewed and selfless liberators vice oppresors.

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

Medical Tips - Three Recommended Books

Surgeon General's War Report: Surgeon General’s Report to Virginia’s Surgeons June 1777

John Champe Chapter Commemorates 250th Anniversary of Lexington & Concord.

ALDI, Va.—On April 19, the Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter SAR sponsored the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the opening battle of the Revolution at Lexington & Concord. The commemoration took place at Champe Farms near the village of Aldi in Loudoun County. Champe Farms, once home to the chapter’s namesake, John Champe, is the site of a memorial obelisk honoring Champe’s role as a spy for General George Washington.

The event included a brief commemoration of John Champe before transitioning to the remembrance of Lexington and Concord. Five SAR chapters—Sgt. Maj. John Champe, Col. James Wood II, George Mason, Col. Fielding Lewis, and Col. William Grayson—joined four DAR chapters—Elizabeth McIntosh Hammill, Ketoctin, Lanes Mill and Mary Hemings Bell—in the commemoration.

LEESBURG, Va. – April 6, 2025—On March 29, 2025, the Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration took place at the Loudoun County Courthouse, honoring Vietnam Veterans and their sacrifices. A joint Color Guard, composed of members from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1177, Sgt Major John Champe Chapter SAR (SMJC), and the Marine Corps League of Loudoun County, presented and posted the colors to open the proceedings.

A bell provided by Sgt Major John Champe compatriot Warner Workman was rung after each name of twelve Loudoun County residents killed in Vietnam were read. A three-shot rifle salute and Taps were executed by members of VFW Post 1177 in honor of all Vietnam Veterans.

E Pluribus Unum by James "Ros" Poplar

As a proud member of the Fort Harrison Chapter Sons of the American Revolution I recently had both the distinct pleasure and honor of participating in a naturalization ceremony where 43 former immigrants from 26 different countries became citizens of the United States of America. It was the first such ceremony I ever attended, and I assure you it will not be the last. The two hours spent in that courtroom will be forever etched in my mind as one of the moments that made me proud to call myself an American.

At each and every ceremony our past President Mr. Tom Pettit is the first to greet our newest American citizens with a scroll consisting of the Star Bangled Banner wrapped in red, white, and blue ribbon lovingly assembled by our Chaplin Mr. Bill Blessing. It is a gift many have waited years to receive in their quest to become citizens of the land of the free and the home of the brave and one I am sure they will cherish for the rest of
their lives.

The Triple Test

by James "Ros" Poplar

In 1973, historian Richard B. Morris wrote the seminal work “Seven Who Shaped Our Destiny: The Founding Fathers as Revolutionaries." The book details a series of biographical sketches of the most seven influential leaders of the American Revolution along with a detailed chronology of the events that led to their commitment to the American cause. Mr. Morris refers to the men possessing the "triple tests" of leadership, longevity and statesmanship.

All of these men played indispensable roles in the formation of the of the United States of America. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were members of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence. The Federalist Papers, which advocated the ratification of the Constitution, were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. And last but not least, George Washington was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, president of the Constitutional Convention, and our first president.

First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his fellow countrymen

We will soon observe the birthday of one of the founders of this great nation—General and President George Washington who was born on February 22, 1732.  The intent of “Presidents Day” is to honor the legacy of all Presidents, but I believe this marginalizes our first Founding Father’s unparalleled accomplishments.  Washington single handedly lead the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, presided over the Constitutional Convention, and was our very Chief Executive. What a lasting legacy!

On the December 4, 1783—nine days after the last British soldiers left America George Washington invited the officers of the Continental Army to join him in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern so he could say farewell. The best-known account of this emotional leave-taking comes from the Memoirs of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge written in 1830.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Feb. 15, 2025)—A joint SAR–DAR wreath laying ceremony was held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House Burial Ground, following by the 2025 George Washington Birthday Parade, held in downtown Alexandria.

More than 50 attendees braved the rain during the wreath laying ceremony and parade including newly inducted Virginia SAR President Michael Weyler, along with Virginia Society Children of the American Revolution (V.S.C.A.R.) State President Sarah Terpenning, SAR Secretary General Michael J. Elston, Virginia SAR Color Guard Commander Brett Osborn flanked by the Virginia SAR Color Guard in colonial attire, with numerous SAR chapter officers and compatriots from George Washington Chapter, George Mason Chapter, Fairfax Resolves Chapter, Col. William Grayson Chapter, Col. James Wood II Chapter, Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter, along with National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) chapters, including wreath-laying ceremony co-hosts, the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter, NSDAR; along with John Alexander Chapter, NSDAR; and the Dr. Elisha Dick Chapter, NSDAR, and members of local V.S.C.A.R. societies.

GLEN ALLEN, Va. (Feb. 8, 2025) – In a memorable ceremony conducted by the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (Virginia SAR), Michael E. Weyler, Ph.D., was installed as the 105th President of the Virginia SAR by National SAR President General Darryl Addington in ceremonies held during the 135th Annual Meeting within the Henrico Ballroom of the Virginia Crossings Hotel.

Dr. Michael E. Weyler succeeded William D. Greaf, DPA (Williamsburg Chapter SAR) who served as the 104th Virginia SAR President in 2024–25. President Greaf was awarded the state society's highest award—the Patriot Medal—for his outstanding leadership and accomplishments during the past year.  Dr. Greaf also received a sword and scabbard as a gift from his Virginia SAR officers.

Service Above Self

by Ros Poplar.

America was founded almost 250 years on the principles of rugged individualism and self-sufficiency. Even in those days the journey from the old world to the new world was fraught with peril and many of America’s early settlers did not survive the journey due to exposure to the elements or disease. Upon arrival in the new  world our ancestors, despite the harsh living conditions, banded together and formed the nascent communities that have over time evolved into major and vibrant colonial cities such as New York and Boston. The eventually expanded out west drawn by the prospects of abundant land and resources that were only available in the old world to nobility or people of means.

After these cities were established and thriving people were drawn to the vast expanse of the western United States where land was readily available for the taking and one could become affluent overnight if they struck it rich while panning for gold in the California Republic of striking oil in the vast expanses of the Republic of Texas. The American spirit of adventurism and self-reliance was  indeed, live, and well but even then, there were those who were less fortunate and American communities lead by church groups or simply good neighbors looked after those who were less fortunate or down on their luck. Neighbors indeed helped neighbors through such organized activities as barn raisings or even gestures of
kindness as preparing meals for those unable to provide for themselves.

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

Medical Tips - Annoyed by that Bald Spot?

Surgeon General's War Report: Surgeon General’s Report to Virginia’s Naval Surgeons on Smallpox, 1778

(ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Aug. 2024)—To help tell the story of our Revolutionary War Patriots, the George Washington Chapter placed small markers with a QR (Quick Response) code that link to the patriot’s biography and service record on the SAR’s Patriot Research System (PRS).    Not only will this give the public a greater appreciation of the service of our Patriots but will also help publicize the society.  QR markers were placed in the Presbyterian Meeting House section of the Wilkes Street complex in Alexandria and in the Flint Hill cemetery in Vienna.  Unfortunately, some of the cemeteries where our chapter has marked patriot graves in the past declined to give us permission to place these QR code markers.  GWSAR Compatriot Luc Chevalier assisted Paul Walden, Grave Marking Chair, in placing these markers.  This first batch of markers is a test case to see how long these last in the elements and while we research more economical options for producing these markers.